The Global Times (November 8) reported that the PLA, after the Indian military launched a
major exercise along the border with China at the start of the month, had conducted multiple
drills in the western plateau over the past week. Quoting the state-owned CCTV, it said an artillery regiment affiliated with the PLA Xinjiang Military Command recently conducted a
comprehensive, cross-day-and-night exercise in a high-altitude region, involving live-fire
shooting of PCL-181 155mm self-propelled howitzers and PHL-11 122mm multiple rocket
launchers. In another recent exercise held in the plateau region at an elevation of 5,100 meters,
the PLA Xinjiang Military Command organized a joint fire strike confrontation drill, as PHL03 300mm multiple rocket launchers and China's latest type of multiple rocket launchers
capable of firing 370mm rockets teamed up with reconnaissance drones and artillery radars to
launch precision strikes on the enemy. JH-7 fighter bombers affiliated with the PLA Western
Theatre Command Air Force also joined the exercise. CCTV (November 2) also reported that
a combined arms brigade of the PLA Xizang (Tibet) Military Command recently conducted an
assault training at an elevation of more than 4,000 meters. It said advanced PLA main battle
equipment, including the Type 15 light tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled
howitzers, and auxiliary vehicles, took part in the drill. The Global Times quoted military
expert Song Zhongping as observing that the PLA is also enhancing its combat preparedness
as India keeps making provocations along the borders, and proper military approaches are
needed, when necessary, in order to safeguard national sovereignty and security.
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