As India plans to deploy Rafale at bases near China, Xi Jinping asks Army to be battle-ready

Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked the country’s Army to strengthen their sense of urgency and be battle ready, saying the “world is facing a period of major changes never seen in a century.” During a meeting with top military authority, the Chinese president told the country’s armed forces that China was facing increased risks and challenges, therefore, they must be ready for to do everything to prepare for battle to secure its development needs, according to news agency Xinhua. Xi, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the armed forces need to develop strategies for the new era and take on responsibilities for preparing and waging war.

"The world is facing a period of major changes never seen in a century, and China is still in an important period of strategic opportunity for development," news agency Xinhua quoted the Chinese president as saying.

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This war-preparation directions from the Chinese president came following his remarks that China still reserves the right to use force against Taiwan. China claims Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) is its territory. However, US President Donald Trump recently signed the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act into law to reaffirm US commitment to the security of the Island nation.

The development also came a day after reports that India is planning to deploy Rafale fighter jets at the base camps near China and Pakistan, a move many see as the country’s big leap forward towards preparing itself for a possible two-front war. As part of a change in the current structure, the Indian Air Force will deploy Rafale squadrons at Haryana’s Ambala and West Bengal’s Hashimpura bases, respectively. 

Also Read | Indian Air Force to deploy Rafale fighter jets near Pakistan and China

After India signed the multi-billion fighter jet deal, the Indian Air Force has been planning to replace the aging fighter jets. The strategic deployment will help India in protecting her Western and Eastern front. With Pakistan in the West and China in the East, the Rafale deployment will help India in achieving a formidable position. To protect its skies, India has so far been relying on the Sukhoi-30MKIs. However, the Indian Air Force regards Rafale higher than the current lot of fighter jets.