Shortly after the Spring Equinox, with snow and ice just beginning to melt, the officers and soldiers of the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County’s Tatalugou Border Defense Company under the Xinjiang Military Command have once again been busy setting up their homemade signage. At several junctions within their company’s jurisdiction, they’ve erected signs reading “When entering border areas, please voluntarily comply with border management regulations” and “Visitors, do not mistakenly enter military restricted areas.” They also disseminate regulations on the management of military restricted areas to those entering and exiting border zones via pocket books and cards.
Driving through mountains and above the clouds, the route requires crossing multiple peaks over 3,500 meters in elevation. In recent years, such treacherous high-altitude roads have seen frequent visits from “backpackers.” According to officials from the Xinjiang Military Command’s border defense department, Xinjiang’s border regions encompass all types of geographical features found along China’s land borders—such as Gobi deserts, glacial mountain passes, and primeval forests. Especially in highland areas, the region’s “pristine ecology and challenging terrain” have made it a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts engaged in mountaineering, exploration, and other adventure sports. Some “backpackers” have even posted online, listing “challenging limits” in Xinjiang’s border regions as a proud goal of their outdoor pursuits.
Officers and soldiers of the Tatalugou Border Defense Company said that while most backpackers comply with relevant regulations upon seeing national boundary markers and military restricted area signs, some lack awareness of border lines and military zones. Each year during spring and summer, there are several incidents where backpackers mistakenly cross border lines or enter military restricted areas, creating risks for border management, the protection of military zone safety, and the confidentiality work of the troops.
In early March, reporters conducted a special interview with the Xinjiang Military Command forces regarding this issue. Troops stationed at border posts and fortresses reminded backpackers to voluntarily abide by relevant regulations, pay attention to military signage guidance, follow the direction of military personnel, and avoid mistakenly crossing national boundaries or entering military restricted areas. At the same time, many soldiers also cautioned backpackers that when challenging limits, they should prioritize safety. The “four major hazards” threatening the personal safety of backpackers in Xinjiang’s border regions are landslides, avalanches, flash floods, and high-altitude hypoxia.
Jia Xiaopeng, deputy director of the Xinjiang Military Command’s Military Transport Department, said: “We often encounter ‘backpackers’ on the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, and we remind them to stay on the road, where food, fuel, and medical support are available. Venturing off the road into uninhabited wilderness could lead to unimaginable hardships or dangers.” In recent years, the Xinjiang Military Command has been involved in rescuing backpackers trapped in as many as seven incidents, saving dozens of people, with several backpackers having lost their lives.
Jia Xiaopeng, deputy director of the Xinjiang Military Command’s Military Transport Department, said: “We often encounter ‘backpackers’ on the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, and we remind them to stay on the road, where food, fuel, and medical support are available. Venturing off the road into uninhabited wilderness could lead to unimaginable hardships or dangers.” In recent years, the Xinjiang Military Command has been involved in rescuing backpackers trapped in as many as seven incidents, saving dozens of people, with several backpackers having lost their lives.
Recently, the Xinjiang Military Command’s border defense department instructed border troops to strengthen the management of borders and military restricted areas during spring and summer—the peak seasons for backpacker activity—by intensifying publicity and warning efforts, advising backpackers not to enter border zones, and preventing violations of border defense laws. At the same time, border troops are required to enhance emergency rescue preparedness and establish joint response mechanisms between border forces and secondary-level hospitals to ensure effective responses to any emergencies.
Challenging limits must not breach defense lines
Most outdoor sports enthusiasts are driven by a desire to challenge limits. This is a commendable form of fitness and motivational activity. However, before packing their gear and venturing into uninhabited areas, backpackers should familiarize themselves with the regulations on military restricted area management. When entering or exiting border regions, they must follow legal procedures and not interfere with the protection of military zones or border management. It is worth affirming that the vast majority of backpackers are law-abiding, but it should also be noted that a small minority of lawbreakers exploit the “backpacker” label to infiltrate military restricted areas and attempt to gather intelligence on China’s defense and military affairs using various means.
Article 15 of the “Military Facilities Protection Law” clearly stipulates: “Without approval from military organs at the military-region level or above, it is prohibited for personnel, vehicles, or vessels outside the management units of land or water military restricted areas to enter the restricted zones.” Protecting the safety of military restricted areas and safeguarding military secrets are measures taken to maintain the stability of the nation’s defense. As patriotic citizens, backpackers must keep national defense security in mind and shoulder their share of responsibility. One must know where to draw the line—challenging limits must not mean breaching the defenses of military restricted areas.