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China-India relations
ChinaMilitary

China’s military trains in Tibetan plateau amid border dispute with India

  • Long-distance trek and live-fire exercise highlighted on Chinese state television
  • Checkpoints have also reportedly been equipped with new hi-tech surveillance gear

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Footage of PLA troops trekking in the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range was aired on Chinese state television on Tuesday. Photo: Weibo
Kristin Huang
China’s military has been carrying out training in the mountains of Tibet as it tries to get soldiers used to the region’s extreme conditions amid a protracted border dispute with India.

Its latest exercises have been highlighted by Chinese state media, with broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday airing footage of troops on a long-distance trek in the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range.

The report showed a small group of People’s Liberation Army soldiers carrying packs and gear as they traversed a forest, crossed a river and made a steep ascent during a 30km hike.
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Tian Jianmin, deputy brigade officer, told the broadcaster that they wanted troops to be better equipped to do their jobs in tough conditions.

The CCTV report showed soldiers crossing a river and trekking through difficult terrain. Photo: Weibo
The CCTV report showed soldiers crossing a river and trekking through difficult terrain. Photo: Weibo
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“We’ve taken advantage of the [Tibetan] plateau’s unique environment for this long-distance training session,” Tian said. “The aim is to improve the combat capabilities of reconnaissance units, train soldiers in these harsh conditions and put their combat skills to the test.”

It followed another report on state television on Saturday showing an artillery brigade conducting a year-end live-fire exercise in an unfamiliar part of Tibet.

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