Chinese army launches massive military drill near Aksai Chin

BEIJING: China's People's Liberation Army has launched a major drill in the western region of Xinjiang, which borders several countries including India and Pakistan.
The exercise, which involves a massive force of 10,000 soldiers, is being carried out by PLA's western command. The command is in charge of Aksai Chin, the disputed area between India and China.
It involves "missions relating to camouflage, intelligence, reconnaissance and counter attack", the state run People's Daily Online said.
Though it did not specify the exact location of the exercise, the obvious focus is India because it is the only country in the region which has a border problem with China.
The drill is extensive covering seven hills and taking place at altitudes going up to 4,000 metres.
The drill comes after India's surgical strike in Pakistan and subsequent border problems. The move comes soon after General Qamar Javed Bajwa took over as the new army chief in Pakistan.
The drill is expected to boost the morale of Pakistan's army and put pressure on India, observers said.
China was quick to reassure Pakistan of its continued support after the new army chief took over in Islamabad recently.
"We will continue to work with the Pakistani side to cement the partnership," Chinese foreign ministry Geng Shuang said.