Troops, tanks, trucks, artillery, and armored personnel carriers of China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA) were reported to be heading to the Vietnamese border on May 16 and 17. PLA personnel were dressed in full combat gear. Chinese netizens posted photographs of the troops on Chinese websites and commented that conflict with Vietnam is imminent.

One netizen said that Chinese troops and vehicles were moving by train from the Chongzuo station to Pingxiang City, which shares a 60-mile border with Vietnam. The netizen said that the Huu Nghi Border Gate to Vietnam is now closed.