India disagrees with China over its 180 km (112 mi) territorial footprint in Aksai Chin.

For the first time after the 1960s, between 2010-2012, China spent CN¥3 Billion ($476 million) repaving the Xinjiang section spanning just over 650 km (404 mi).

[6][7] A number of reasons[weasel words] for building the road has been conceptualized, including cementing China's control over the region.

[5] The road entered disputed territory "just east of Sarigh Jilgnang" after which it ran through a number of locations[clarification needed] India recognized as its territory such as Haji Langar, and usage was claimed by India to be in contravention to the Sino-Indian Agreement 1954.

[12] By July 2012 and with an expenditure of CN¥3 Billion ($476 million), the Xinjiang section spanning just over 650 km (404 mi) was completed.

[16] As one of the highest motorable roads in the world, the breathtaking scenery of Rutog County also ranks as some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet.

Domar township—a town of concrete blocks and nomad tents—is one of the bleakest and most remote outposts of the People's Liberation Army at the edge of the Aksai Chin.

Approaching the Xinjiang border, past the final Tibetan settlement of Tserang Daban is a dangerous 5,050-meter-high pass.

[19] Download coordinates as: (Yecheng) Aksai Chin* The western portion of the highway has numerous notable mountain passes.

(alternate to last line) Jieshan Daban is very curvy, an extended hand will touch the sky.

The route was expanded in the China National Highway Network Planning (2013–2030) both northward and eastward to span the entire Chinese western and southern border.