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
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.
Tian Jianmin, deputy brigade officer, told the broadcaster that they wanted troops to be better equipped to do their jobs in tough conditions.
“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.
Team leader Lai Bo told CCTV they had “access to every kind of howitzer” available and the drill put the unit’s combat capabilities to the test in the freezing conditions on the plateau.
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In addition to the high-altitude training, checkpoints along the Chinese border have also been equipped with new hi-tech surveillance gear, CCTV’s military channel reported in November.
The equipment includes observation cameras mounted high up to keep watch on mountain passes and drones to help monitor the region, according to the report.
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Song Zhongping, a Hong Kong-based military commentator and former instructor with the PLA’s Second Artillery Corps, said the Chinese troops were preparing for all contingencies along the Tibet border.
“These moves involve both physical fitness and the equipment needed in extreme cold weather – they’re preparing for possible military conflict on the plateau in the future,” Song said.
