7. New book says China nuclearising Tibet

World Tibet Network News - September 29, 2005

New Delhi, September 29, 2005 (Webindia123) - Apprehensive of India's military prowess, China is deploying some two dozen ballistic missiles, including nuclear-capable ICBMs, in Tibet, according to a new book. Nuclearisation of Tibet by China is becoming a big danger not only to India and South Asia, but to the whole of the world, the book ''Asian Strategic and Military Perspective'' by renowned Defence expert R S N Singh says. Brought out by Observer Research Foundation, it warns that the nuclearisation of Tibetan plateau is also fraught with disastrous ecological consequences. The book, released by Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh today, cites a source as claiming that one quarter of China's nuclear missile force is deployed in Tibet, which includes medium and intermediate range missiles at Nagchuka and ICBMs at Nyingtri, Kongpo and Powo Tramo. ''A nuclear missile (DF-4 ICBM) launch site is also located at Terlingkha (217 km southeast of Tsaidam),'' the book reveals, noting that if China were not apprehensive of India's military prowess, it would never have embarked on such a massive military infrastructure development in Tibet. ''In Tibet, it has reportedly constructed 14 airbases and an oil pipeline from Gormo to Lhasa. The construction of a 1,118 km-long rail link from Gormo to Lhasa is also underway.'' The book, however, says the nuclearisation of Tibet and the resultant impact of headwater pollution by nuclear pollutants can be devastating for countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan and Vietnam.