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China’s territorial claims over Bhutan’s Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary – Geopolitical and ecological significance

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in News Now
- China recently claimed Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Bhutan as its own territory
- Bhutan has rejected this claim, leading to geopolitical tensions between the two countries
The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary located in eastern Bhutan has recently been in the news due to territorial claims made by China. During a June 2020 virtual meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Chinese representatives objected to funding being allocated to projects in Sakteng, stating that the area was disputed territory. This was the first time China had staked claim over the 740 sq km sanctuary. Bhutan rejected this claim, with officials stating that the area has always been under Bhutanese control and does not have any historical affiliation to China.
The issue gained prominence again in October 2023, when the Chinese Foreign Minister conveyed to his Bhutanese counterpart that China is ready to work with Bhutan to resolve the boundary dispute and establish full diplomatic ties. Bhutan has pushed back against these claims, noting that Sakteng was never discussed as contested territory during previous border negotiations between the two countries. The sudden Chinese claim over Sakteng has led to geopolitical tensions between China and Bhutan.
It has also raised concerns in India, which shares close ties with Bhutan, about China’s territorial ambitions in the strategically important Himalayan region. The disputed sanctuary borders India’s Arunachal Pradesh state, which China also claims as its own.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Overview
Sections | Details |
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Introduction |
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Geography |
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Biodiversity |
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Conservation |
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Brokpa Culture |
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Geopolitical Significance |
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Conclusion |
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Introduction
- Location and area
- History and background
The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the easternmost part of Bhutan, covering an area of approximately 740 square kilometers. It spans across the Trashigang district and also crosses the border into the Samdrup Jongkhar district. The sanctuary comprises alpine meadows, temperate broadleaf forests, and warm broadleaf forests, with elevation ranging from 1,700 to 4,100 meters above sea level. Three major rivers, the Manas Chu, Bada Chu, and Dhansiri Chu, originate from the sanctuary.
Though negotiations were held between Bhutan and China regarding their shared border from 1984 to 2016, eastern Bhutan where Sakteng is located was never discussed as disputed territory. The sanctuary has been under Bhutan’s control and does not have any documented historical affiliation to China. Sakteng was established as a protected area by the Bhutanese government and is also a tentative site for UNESCO World Heritage List inclusion.
The sanctuary is home to many rare and endangered species and has high biodiversity value. However, China has recently staked claim over Sakteng, leading to tensions between the two countries. Bhutan strongly refutes this claim, stating that Sakteng has always been an integral part of its sovereign territory.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Map
Geopolitical Significance
- Location between China and India
- Implications for India’s security concerns
- China’s territorial ambitions in the Himalayan region
The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary has important geopolitical significance due to its location between China and India.
Sakteng is located in eastern Bhutan right next to the border with India’s Arunachal Pradesh state. The sanctuary also borders Tibet, which is controlled by China. This puts it right between the two Asian giants.
For India, the sanctuary has security implications. If China gains control over Sakteng, it can threaten India’s Siliguri corridor that connects the northeast states to the Indian mainland. This is a very narrow stretch of land. China controlling areas close to this corridor is seen as a major security threat by India.
The recent claim by China over Sakteng is also seen as part of its bigger territorial ambitions in the Himalayan region. China has long-standing border disputes with Bhutan and India. It claims big areas of both countries as part of Tibet. The claim over Sakteng sanctuary seems to be part of this policy of staking claim over more territory in the Himalayas.
China is seen as trying to put pressure on both Bhutan and India by claiming historically undisputed areas like Sakteng. Bhutan is a close ally of India. By creating trouble for Bhutan, China can also put pressure on India. This is why the small Sakteng sanctuary has taken on much bigger geopolitical significance amid the India-China boundary tensions.
Geography
Location
- Eastern Bhutan, bordering India’s Arunachal Pradesh state
- Trashigang district
The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in eastern Bhutan. It borders with India’s Arunachal Pradesh state. The sanctuary is mostly in Bhutan’s Trashigang district. A small part also comes under the Samdrup Jongkhar district.
Terrain and Climate
- Alpine meadows, temperate and warm broadleaf forests
- Elevation range
The sanctuary has different types of landscapes. There are alpine meadows at higher altitudes. At lower altitudes, there are temperate and warm broadleaf forests. The elevation ranges from around 1,700 metres to 4,100 metres.
The climate varies from cold mountainous to moderately warm as per the altitude. The alpine region remains under snow cover for much of the year. The lower hills have more temperate climate.
Major Rivers
- Manas Chu
- Bada Chu
- Dhansiri Chu
Three major rivers originate from the sanctuary. These are the Manas Chu, Bada Chu and Dhansiri Chu. The Manas Chu flows down south into India where it becomes the Manas River. The Bada Chu flows through eastern Bhutan. The Dhansiri Chu flows east eventually joining the Brahmaputra in India.
The diverse terrain and ecosystems make Sakteng sanctuary a region of rich biodiversity. The variation in altitudes, forest types and rivers creates suitable habitats for many rare animal and plant species. The sanctuary’s location between India and China also adds to its strategic geographic significance.

Biodiversity
Flora
- 35 out of 46 rhododendron species found in Bhutan
- Blue poppy, primula, gentiana, cordyceps sinensis
There are over 35 out of 46 rhododendron species found in Bhutan in the Sakteng sanctuary. Rhododendrons are beautiful flowering plants. The sanctuary is known as the ‘Paradise of Rhododendrons’.
Some other important floral species are the blue poppy, primula, gentiana and cordyceps sinensis. The blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan. Cordyceps is a rare medicinal plant.
Fauna
- Mammals: Red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, barking deer
- Birds: Blood pheasant, shrikes, woodpeckers, hoopoe, tit species
- Endemic species
Many rare animal species are found in Sakteng. These include the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and barking deer. The red panda is endangered and the snow leopard is a threatened species.
There are many bird species like the blood pheasant, different types of shrikes, woodpeckers, the common hoopoe and tit species.
Some animal and bird species are only found in this region and are endemic to the eastern Himalayas. The diversity of species makes Sakteng an area of immense ecological significance.
Conservation Efforts
Threats
- Overgrazing, deforestation
Conservation Initiatives
- Bhutan government efforts
- Involvement of local communities
- Eco-tourism promotion
There are some threats to the biodiversity of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. Overgrazing by cattle is one threat. Deforestation due to tree cutting is another threat.
The Bhutan government has taken many initiatives to conserve the sanctuary. These include controlling grazing, preventing deforestation, monitoring wildlife crimes, and protection of endemic species.
Local Brokpa communities are also involved in conservation efforts. Spreading awareness about protection among Brokpas helps reduce biodiversity threats. Eco-tourism promotion also motivates communities to participate in conservation.
Brokpa culture
The Brokpa people are a semi-nomadic indigenous group living in Sakteng. They have a distinct culture and lifestyle.
The Brokpas rear yaks and migrate seasonally with their livestock to warmer pastures. Their villages have single-room huts made of stone and wood. Polyandry system of marriage is prevalent among Brokpas.
The Brokpas have their own language called Brokkat. Their dress is unique with woollen garments and yak felt hats. Brokpa festivals have songs, mask dances and other traditions.
Promoting Brokpa homestays, handicrafts and organic products can help boost conservation and local livelihoods. The rich Brokpa culture is an attraction for tourists along with Sakteng’s natural beauty.
Final Thoughts
- Ecological and cultural importance of the sanctuary
- Maintaining cordial India-Bhutan ties
- Resolving the dispute through diplomacy
In conclusion, the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is of great ecological significance due to its diverse flora, fauna and endemic species. It also holds cultural importance due to the indigenous Brokpa community residing within it. However, the recent border dispute over Sakteng has led to tensions between Bhutan and China.
To resolve this, maintaining cordial India-Bhutan ties is essential as Bhutan depends on India for access to the world. Diplomatic solutions through peaceful negotiations are the only way to settle this dispute following the international laws and mutually agreeable terms. Sakteng’s biodiversity, natural beauty and cultural traditions need to be protected, while also ensuring regional stability and security. A constructive diplomatic approach can help achieve this balance in the strategically located Himalayan sanctuary.