Shortly after the Spring Equinox, as snow and ice began to melt, soldiers from the Tatlugu Border Defense Company of the Xinjiang Military District, located in the heart of the Karakoram Range, got busy again with self-made signage. At several junctions within their unit's defense area, they erected signs reading "When entering border areas, please consciously abide by border management regulations" and "Tourists, do not mistakenly enter military restricted zones." They also used pocketbooks and cards to educate people entering and leaving border regions about the management laws of military restricted zones.
Driving through mountains and clouds, the journey requires crossing numerous peaks over 3,500 meters above sea level. Despite such treacherous roads and high altitudes, in recent years, these areas have frequently seen visits from "backpackers." According to officials from the Xinjiang Military District’s border defense department, Xinjiang’s border regions encompass various geographical types found along China’s land borders, including deserts, glaciers, mountain passes, and pristine forests. Especially in plateau areas, the "pristine environment and challenging conditions" have made them hotspots for outdoor enthusiasts such as mountaineers and explorers. Some "backpackers" have even posted online, setting "challenging limits" in Xinjiang’s border areas as a proud goal of their outdoor pursuits.
Soldiers from the Tatlugu Border Defense Company said that most "backpackers" adhere to relevant regulations upon seeing national boundary markers and military restricted zone signs. However, some backpackers lack awareness of border lines and military zones, leading to several cases each spring and summer where hikers mistakenly cross border lines or enter military restricted zones. These incidents pose risks to border management, the safety of military restricted areas, and the confidentiality efforts of the troops.
In early March, reporters conducted a special interview with the Xinjiang Military District on this issue. Soldiers stationed at border posts and fortresses reminded "backpackers" to consciously follow relevant laws and regulations, pay attention to military signage, heed guidance from troops, and avoid mistakenly crossing borders or entering military restricted zones. Additionally, many soldiers warned backpackers that while pursuing extreme challenges, safety must come first. The “four major hazards” threatening the personal safety of backpackers in Xinjiang’s border regions are mudslides, avalanches, flash floods, and high-altitude hypoxia.
Jia Xiaopeng, deputy director of the Xinjiang Military District’s Military Transportation Department, said: "We often encounter 'backpackers' on the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway and remind them to stay on the road, where food, fuel, and medical services are available. Leaving the road to venture into uninhabited wilderness can lead to unimaginable hardships or dangers." In recent years, the Xinjiang Military District has been involved in rescuing backpackers trapped in as many as seven incidents, saving dozens of individuals, while several backpackers have tragically lost their lives.
Jia Xiaopeng, deputy director of the Xinjiang Military District’s Military Transportation Department, said: "We often encounter 'backpackers' on the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway and remind them to stay on the road, where food, fuel, and medical services are available. Leaving the road to venture into uninhabited wilderness can lead to unimaginable hardships or dangers." In recent years, the Xinjiang Military District has been involved in rescuing backpackers trapped in as many as seven incidents, saving dozens of individuals, while several backpackers have tragically lost their lives.
Recently, the Xinjiang Military District’s border defense authorities have instructed border troops to strengthen the management of borders and military restricted zones during spring and summer—seasons when backpacker activities are especially frequent. They are urged to carry out effective publicity and warning efforts, persuade backpackers not to enter border areas, and prevent violations of border defense laws. At the same time, border units are required to enhance emergency rescue readiness 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 their limits. This is a commendable fitness and motivational activity. However, when preparing gear and venturing into uninhabited areas, backpackers should first familiarize themselves with the regulations on military restricted zone management; when entering and exiting border areas, they must follow legal procedures and avoid compromising the protection of military zones or border management. It is worth acknowledging that the vast majority of backpackers are law-abiding, but it must also be noted that a small minority of wrongdoers exploit the "backpacker" guise to infiltrate military restricted zones, using various methods to spy on China’s national defense and military intelligence.
Article 15 of the "Military Facilities Protection Law" clearly states: "Without approval from military authorities at the corps level or above, entry into military restricted zones on land or water by personnel, vehicles, or vessels outside the designated management units is prohibited." Protecting the safety of military restricted zones and safeguarding military secrets are essential measures for maintaining the stability of the nation’s defense. As patriotic citizens, backpackers must keep national defense security in mind and fulfill their responsibilities in this regard. Everything must be done in moderation—challenging limits must not mean breaching the defenses of military restricted zones.