Authorities in Tibet said on Monday that two towns near the eastern side of the LAC, Milin and Kuona, would be given the status of cities. After this, their administration will come under the regional government. Both areas have a population of less than 25,000. Milin, also known as Menling, is an important border city and transportation hub for China, with an area stretching 180 km along the Indian border.
Kuona shares border with Bhutan
Milin is linked by rail to the regional capital Lhasa and is near a highway linking Tibet and Xinjiang. The city also has its own airport. And the south-west border of Cuona, also called Cona or Tsona, meets Bhutan. No further details were given about the change, but such changes are usually made under China’s administrative system to provide more resources for local development and give more powers to local officials.
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What are China’s intentions?
Liu Zongyi, a senior fellow at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, said the upgrade could help Beijing further consolidate its control over the region, especially in Kuona. He said that by upgrading the administrative status, China has further strengthened its control. Now more resources will be invested in these areas. China is increasing its presence and activities near Arunachal Pradesh. Under these efforts, he has established many villages in Bhutan.