China MOD: No Boots on the Ground in Afghanistan!

China’s Ministry of Defense has categorically denied reports that the Chinese military is patrolling on the Afghanistan side of their border.

Stories  in foreign media about Chinese troops and military vehicles cross-border were said to be untrue. The explanation given for the alleged military activity was that joint anti-terrorism drills were taking place.

At a regular press conference on February 23, the MOD spokesperson, Colonel Ren Guoqiang declared:

 Question: There have been reports about China’s military forces patrolling inside eastern Afghanistan. Could you please confirm and brief us on relevant details?

 Answer18: My colleague has already responded to this question before. According to the information provided by relevant departments, the law-enforcement departments of China and Afghanistan, in accordance with the agreement of strengthening border law enforcement cooperation between the two sides, have been conducting joint law enforcement operations in areas bordering both countries in recent years, in order to jointly prevent and fight against terrorism activities and organized transnational crimes.

I’d like to point out that the report of some foreign media that the Chinese military vehicles entered Afghanistan for patrol is untrue.

Does the MOD explanation makes sense, or could there be another explanation? Please let us know you opinion.

Photo: mod.gov.cn/Li Aiming

Mystery Deepens over Chinese Forces in Afghanistan (Financial Times)