China's online weather station in Tibet could support PLA during conflict

NEW DELHI: China has installed an unmanned automatic weather observation station near its border with India in Tibet, reportedly to support PLA in the event of a live fire conflict with India.Beijing plans to set up more such facilities in future in the plateau bordering India as part of its plans to develop infrastructure in the Tibetan region, according to reports.

The station along the Indian border is situated at Yumai township under Lhunze county of Shannan Prefecture in Tibet and could provide data to help with transportation and communication in national defence, State-run Global Times reported in an article that claimed It could also offer support during regional live-fire conflicts.

The station will provide meteorological support for China's defence and further promote border development as well as military-civilian integration, according to a statement on the official website of the Tibet weather bureau.


Regional weather is an important factor that could influence the take-off and landing of aircraft and the launch of missiles during a battle particularly in Tibet where adequate air pressure is necessity for such activities. A small weather observation station could provide such information, military expert Song Zhongping told Global Times on Monday.

India and China had a military stand-off last year in Doklam near their border with Bhutan, that is close to Tibetan region.