China’s PLA air and ground forces start live-fire drill near Myanmar border
- The 3-day exercise in Yunnan province comes amid escalating violence in the troubled neighbouring region
The drill aimed to test reconnaissance, early warning, area control and firepower abilities, Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesman for the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command, said on the command’s official WeChat account.
“The units are always prepared to respond to any sudden situations, ensuring the protection of national sovereignty, border stability, and the safety of people’s lives and property,” he added.
The live-fire drill, which will run until Thursday, was announced on Monday by the PLA and the provincial government of Yunnan in southwest China, which shares a 2,000km (1,240-mile) border with Myanmar.
The exercise comes amid escalating fighting on multiple fronts within Myanmar, where the military government extended a state of emergency for another six months at the end of July to try to maintain its grip on power.
The drill zones include the city of Ruili, near the townships of Huyu and Wanding, Zhenkang county near Mengdui township, as well as the autonomous county of Gengma Dai and Wa near Mengding township.
