The Chinese Army (PLA) and the Pakistani Army held a joint military drill, Warrior IX, which concluded on December 14 in Pakistan. Both armies conducted exercises focused on anti-terrorism campaigns. In a released statement, the Chinese Army said the joint drill was aimed at testing capabilities related to regional peace and stability. Through the drill, Pakistan and China also showcased their bonhomie. China is attempting to put pressure on India in coordination with Pakistan and has also managed to deploy its soldiers near Indian borders in a short span of time.
China’s PLA focuses on rapid Winter deployment
---Advertisement---
According to a report published by Swarajya, the PLA’s regular exercises, officials’ speeches, and military textbooks reveal that the Chinese military is reducing the time required for troop deployment. China’s objective is clear: it aims to establish a mechanism to deploy soldiers rapidly during winter conditions and periods of face-off. China’s strategy focuses on subduing the opposition before it can respond. While global reports suggest that China’s military is concentrating on Taiwan, the PLA is, in reality, chalking out a covert plan along the Indian borders.
---Advertisement---
Golden Window: Chinese Army’s New Doctrine
The report states that the Chinese Army is working on a concept known as the “Golden Window.” This shift in posture is the result of a new military doctrine. For the PLA, the “Golden Window” means deploying troops within 24–48 hours. Several PLA handbooks also mention that winnability depends on firing the first shots within minutes. Since 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly urged the PLA to initiate wars swiftly and conclude them rapidly.
PLA’s institutional framework has undergone a complete transformation
Analysts believe this is not merely rhetoric, as the PLA’s institutional framework has undergone a complete transformation. Following the Galwan clash in 2020, China established offices of National Defence Mobilisation (NDM) across the country, including in Tibet and Xinjiang.
The Combined Armed Brigade is being transformed into a structure resembling the older divisional regiment system. A unified command is also being developed to provide real-time access to satellite, drone, and electronic intelligence.
Chinese Army is conducting high-frequency drills
After the Galwan clash, the Chinese Army is conducting high-frequency drills in Tibet and Xinjiang to reduce deployment time. In August 2021, the Tibet District Military mobilised 10,000 soldiers in less than 24 hours. In 2023, an unannounced drill was conducted near the Xinjiang border. In 2024, the PLA’s air defence units under the Western Theatre Command were placed on alert to enable rapid deployment to high-altitude areas.
While the Chinese military would need to conduct extensive naval drills to attempt a takeover of Taiwan, such manoeuvres are not required along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The PLA can reach the border swiftly, posing a potential threat to India.