The international column “Looking at the Changing Winds (又看风云起)” on Chinese platform Tencent.com published an article stating that, in May of this year, several brigades under People’s Liberation Army (PLA) 72nd Group Army conducted exercises simulating real battlefield conditions. During the exercise, an infantry fighting vehicle from one brigade experienced a sudden track break after completing live-fire training while en route to retreat, rendering it immobile and blocking the path for following vehicles. Although the brigade had prepared some repair tools, they were insufficient to fix the vehicle’s track, ultimately causing a significant delay in the unit’s assessment timeline.
Another brigade encountered a similar incident. To ensure a clear route for night maneuvers, the brigade deployed soldiers with illuminated batons to guide the unit’s movement. However, one baton unexpectedly ran out of power, causing the convoy to lose guidance. One armored vehicle even became stuck in a narrow passage, obstructing the overall retreat plan.
The author noted that, while these two incidents may seem like “minor mishaps in the exercise,” they highlight “significant room for improvement” in the PLA’s logistics management, equipment maintenance, and emergency response.
Source: Aboluo, November 4, 2024
https://www.aboluowang.com/2024/1104/2124849.html