Zhan Niang She post is a border post of the Tibetan Military Region of the People’s Liberation Army, located in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, located in the territory of Yadong County, since the 1960s, the five companies of the border regiment under the Rikaze military sub-district eight classes are stationed here. It has been repeatedly promoted by Chinese official media for its dangerous terrain and difficult security.
According to Chinese media “Global Times” reported on Oct. 1, Zhan Niang She means “the place where eagles cannot fly” in Tibetan. “In 2007, three soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army died after falling off a cliff and being caught in an avalanche.
The report said that, unlike in the past, even if the snow closed the mountain, a large number of supplies can be transported by car to the front of the post, and then sent to the post by cableway. The post has a “sun corridor,” observation post, dormitory, bathroom, washroom, kitchen, storeroom, canteen, boiler room, infirmary, recreation room, library and military Internet cafe.
“In the recreation room, soldiers can play ‘Crossfire’ in the barracks internet cafe, and can also play ‘King’s Glory’ on their cell phones with WiFi. If the weather is good, the post’s Internet speed is similar to the average home broadband Internet speed,” said squad leader Chang Ke.
In terms of material security, the report said that in the storage room, there are canned green beans and diced meat, canned braised yak meat, canned braised pork, canned potted meat and other canned food, usually there are also fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits and various types of meat, and they can even place orders through the “fresh delivery system” for a variety of custom food, “there are even freshwater fish, sea shrimp, turbot and other seafood”. According to the report, after placing an order, the soldiers just receive the goods and do not have to pay.
In addition, the post also has a special water storage room, which can pump water from the bottom of the mountain, solving the problem of eating water, in addition to allowing soldiers to take hot showers.
The report said that the changes at the Zhan Niang She post are just part of the Chinese military’s efforts to build frontline border posts.
At present, all the posts of the border regiment where Zhan Niang She post is located (including the Zola Outpost, Zelila Outpost, and Nathuola Outpost) have been connected to roads, and the construction of insulated posts, post ropeways, electricity and water as well as mobile signal towers are being promoted.
Since 2020, the Tibetan military region has begun to solve the “six difficult” problems of electricity, water, heating, medical care, oxygen, and toilets on the front line. The resolution of these problems has obviously improved the combat effectiveness of the PLA’s border defense forces.
According to one border regiment commander, in exchanges with officers of the foreign army (alluding to the Indian army), it was clear that they were envious of China’s logistical support capabilities. And this not only boosts the confidence of PLA soldiers, but also creates a psychological advantage.