Doklam
Doklam (Tibetan: འབྲོག་ལམ, Wylie: ‘brog lam, THL: drok lam), called Donglang (Chinese: 洞朗) by China, is an area in Bhutan with a high plateau and a valley, lying between China's Chumbi Valley to the north, Bhutan's Ha District to the east and India's Sikkim state to the west. It has been depicted as part of Bhutan in the Bhutanese maps since 1961, but it is also claimed by China. The dispute has not been resolved despite several rounds of border negotiations between Bhutan and China. The area is of strategic importance to all three countries.
Doklam
Donglang | |
|---|---|
Plateau | |
Map of Doklam and the surrounding area | |
Doklam Location of Doklam in Bhutan | |
| Coordinates: 27°18′N 88°56′E | |
| Range | Dongkya Range, Zompelri Ridge |
| Offshore water bodies | Doklam river |
| Area | |
| • Total | 89 square kilometres (34 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 4,653 metres (15,266 ft) (Merug La) |
In June 2017 a military standoff occurred between China and India, as China attempted to extend a road on the Doklam plateau southwards near the Doka La pass and Indian troops moved in to prevent further road construction. India claimed to have acted on behalf of Bhutan, with which it has a 'special relationship'. Bhutan has formally objected to China's road construction in the disputed area.