PLA for boosting defence ties with India
Maj. Gen. Zhang Bing said that the exercises demonstrated the will of the two militaries to deal with terrorist threats and cooperate with each other
Beijing, Oct. 22: Over 300 troops of India and China Thursday concluded their fifth round of military exercises, holding for the first time simulated antiterror drills at the borders as the PLA evinced interest in expanding military ties with India.
A video footage of the drill conducted at a border village released by the Indian defence ministry showed the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army engaged in a combined mock operation raiding and seizing a terrorist camp. Summing the 10- day exercises between the troops from the border regiments, Maj. Gen. Zhang Bing, deputy chief of staff of Chengdu Military Command said that the exercises demonstrated the will of the two militaries to deal with terrorist threats and cooperate with each other to create a good environment for development.
“It shows the power of both countries to fight terrorism together and highlights the determination and vision of both countries to maintain regional security and stability,” an Indian defence ministry press release said. “A series of challenging tactical situations were presented to validate the reactions of the sub- units and a very high- level of professionalism and coordination was seen among troops of both armies,” it said.
Gen. Zhang’s comments followed Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying’s remarks at the beginning of the “Hand in Hand” drills on October 12 that the exercise will play a significant role in safeguarding domestic security and strengthening mutual trust between militaries of both sides. “We will continue to strengthen our cooperation on national defence and inject more positive energy to our bilateral ties,” she had
the said.
The exercises featuring 175 troops from each side signed off with an impressive closing ceremony where Lt. Gen. A. L. Chavan, head of the Indian Observer Delegation, said the intimate understanding and goodwill generated during the exercise will go a long way in further strengthening military bonds between both the Armies. The drills have helped in understanding each others’ organisation and conduct of counter terrorist operations, he said.