China kits out army for winter combat as India border dispute drags on

Troops in Tibet are made the top priority for the Chinese military’s winter supplies, according to source

Harsh seasonal conditions may prompt the two sides to explore disengagement, observer says

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An Indian fighter jet flies over a mountain range near the China-India border in June. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:00am, 10 Oct 2020Updated: 8:43pm, 10 Oct 2020

China is prioritising its soldiers in Tibet for winter supplies and patrol gear as tensions along the disputed Himalayan border with India threaten to drag on, a Chinese military source has said.

Although the harsh winter could offer a chance for the two sides to disengage, fresh skirmishes cannot be ruled out following deadly clashes between their respective military personnel in June and months of fruitless talks since.

A Chinese military source said that, counter to the usual practice of giving the eastern and northern army units the latest equipment first, frontline troops in western Tibet were now “the top priority” for the logistics department of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

“The new winter combat gear debuted on September 20 was tested in Tibet, and later modified and improved to suit the needs of troops operating in Tibet’s winter,” the source said. “The frontline troops in Tibet have already been equipped with them.”

The PLA’s winter patrol gear includes waterproof thermal gloves and socks, as well as quick-drying underwear. Photo: 81.cn

“The logistics department is also sourcing other winter gear from other army units stationed in cold northern China to supply the Tibet front first,” they added, declining to give details.