Xi orders PLA to be ‘combat ready’ as China stocks up weaponry at India border

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been ordered to be ‘combat ready’ by the Chinese President Xi Jingping in the wake of upcoming Chinese New Year holidays. Xi has also directed the army to prepare for the information warfare, citing it as the key to victory over the enemies.

President Xi Jingping delivered the message during a visit to the PLA air force unit in Southwest China’s Guizhou province. According to the experts, the message was also directed to the troops stationed along the Indian border, Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

Already, a number of reports have been circulating in the Chinese official media regarding the deployment of new weaponry on the border, along with monitoring the logistics supply for frontline troops.

“During the Spring Festival, the entire army must strengthen combat readiness on duty to guard national security and the happiness and tranquility of the people,” said Xi Jingping to the aviation unit. He also inspected a special aircraft designed for information warfare and said that the right to control the information is the key to victory during a war.

As per the reports, PLA defence troops have received 155 mm caliber vehicle-mounted howitzers, armored assault vehicles and light tanks as ‘holiday gifts’. Especially, the deployment of type 15 light tank in high altitude areas along the border with India has created a buzz in the local media. The international defense experts are also skeptical about the move.

Former Pentagon official and defence editor for the national interest, Kris Osborn said, “The tank will let China deter its neighbors in harder-to-reach places such as the contested border with India.”

The Chinese official media has been reporting about PLA stocking up the food and daily necessities from a long time. The Chinese army has also been putting a lot of emphasis on being battle-ready to face the challenge on multiple fronts across the border.