China-India border dispute: PLA ‘has built frontline observation post’
- Temporary post used in 2017 border stand-off has been turned into a shelter and lookout point, Chinese military says
- Observers from both sides say their country is equipped for further potential border clashes in harsh winter conditions
A 10-minute report by China Central Television (CCTV) said a platoon of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops held a ceremony this month marking the establishment of the post, based around rocky walls 5,592 metres (18,346 feet) above sea level on Doklam Plateau.
“Compared with their Indian peers who still need to build rock walls as a windscreen in the border area, the PLA troops’ facilities are more advanced and will be combat-ready for any possible fights,” Beijing-based military expert Zhou Chenming said.
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The post, under the garrison based in Shigatse Military Base in Tibet, is located close to where the 2017 stand-off occurred between Chinese and Indian troops, according to CCTV.
Its footage showed PLA soldiers equipped with hi-tech weapons including heavy machine guns, mortars and off-road armoured vehicles. Lamb hotpot was said to be among the meals soldiers were served.