SOURCE: AFI
China has conducted surface-to-air missile tests on the Karakoram Plateau, close to the border with India. These tests, reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), took place even as diplomatic talks between the two countries were ongoing.
The missile tests involved successfully intercepting a subsonic cruise missile at an altitude of over 17,000 feet. China’s state media highlighted the test as a demonstration of its military prowess, showcasing its ability to neutralize advanced missiles that India might possess.
While the specific location of the tests was not disclosed, analysts believe their proximity to the border signifies a strategic deterrence message. China has been conducting such weapons tests in the region since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, signaling its determination to maintain a strong military presence.
The missile tests coincided with the 31st meeting on border affairs between China and India. Despite agreeing to strengthen dialogue and maintain peace, the tests have raised concerns about the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Lin Minwang, deputy director of Fudan University’s Centre for South Asian Studies, emphasized that the missile tests serve as a warning to India, demonstrating China’s military capabilities. He suggested that India now has a choice to make regarding its approach to the border dispute.
Song Zhongping, a Chinese military commentator, echoed this sentiment, describing the tests as a clear message to India. He stated that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) test is a “guarantee of strength” that reinforces China’s position in the talks.
Zhongping emphasized that China’s goal is to intercept all incoming targets, regardless of their speed. He argued that negotiations without such a guarantee of strength are unlikely to yield positive results. India, on the other hand, insists that peace in the border areas is essential for normalizing its ties with China.
In the meantime, China has continued to invest in infrastructure along the border, including airfields and heliports in Ladakh and Tibet. These developments enable China to rapidly deploy troops to forward areas, further highlighting its military presence in the region.