PLA practises force projection with eye to cross-strait action
- Use of civilian transport part of integration strategy aimed at speeding up mobilisation
- CCTV report shows soldiers arriving at an unnamed port and boarding large vessel
The 79th Group Army, based in Liaoning province and part of the PLA’s Northern Theatre Command, conducted a maritime force projection exercise recently that tested the integration of its sea and land troop delivery systems, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Monday.
As well as ground forces, the day and night exercise also featured the participation of a navy frigate and air force air-defence units, the report said. The location and timing of the exercise were not disclosed.
The CCTV report showed soldiers arriving at a port and boarding a large vessel, with a frigate providing escort and warplanes flying overhead.
02:48
Mainland China military exercises continue around Taiwan beyond announced deadline
In June, state-controlled media reported that the 80th Group Army under the Northern Theatre Command, the 74th Group Army under the Southern Theatre Command, and the 72nd Group Army under the Eastern Theatre Command had carried out separate troop delivery exercises at sea using civilian transport resources.