Beijing sends upgraded tropical wear to make troops comfortable at disputed South China Sea outposts

Chinese state media reports on technologies being used to improve soldiers’ lives in remote – and controversial – stations

Better logistics and medical care deemed essential for a strong, modern fighting force

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The PLA is kitting its personnel on Fiery Cross Reef with uniforms better suited to a warmer climate. The station is in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Photo: US Navy/Handout via Reuters

Published: 8:30am, 26 Jan 2021Updated: 3:23pm, 26 Jan 2021

Chinese soldiers on artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea have been sent upgraded tropical weather uniforms, state media said on Monday while reporting on new measures to keep personnel comfortable while stationed at the controversial outposts.

The uniforms are China’s latest effort to bring improved daily essentials and better logistical support for People’s Liberation Army troops on islands in the sensitive area that China claims but is challenged by neighbours and rivals such as Vietnam and the United States.

The kit includes camouflage clothing and inner wear made from breathable and quick-drying fabrics to help keep troops dry and moving in hot tropical weather, according to the Chinese military mouthpiece the PLA Daily.

The uniforms were sent to soldiers on Fiery Cross Reef, one of the seven artificial islands reclaimed by China from coral reefs since 2013 and now developed into a comprehensive support base, including airstrip, radars and a maritime rescue centre.

“The new combat clothing is … more suitable to wear in the South China Sea environment. It allows higher training efficiency and more vigorous patrol activities,” soldier Li Zhenshuang was quoted in the report as saying.

A 2018 CCTV image features a PLA soldier in a previous uniform on Fiery Cross Reef. Photo: CCTV

Another soldier, Zhan Jianrong, agreed and said the new underwear was more comfortable.

Zhou Jiang, an officer in charge of procurement for a Southern Theatre Command navy unit, told the PLA Daily the newly designed clothes and shoes would help improve training performance and the PLA navy’s procurement unit would continue to provide better performing clothing for soldiers in tropical areas.

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