Chinese soldiers assigned to the Takixken border defense company, operating under the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Xinjiang Military Command, continue to use horses for routine patrol missions in remote and challenging border regions.
Recent images captured soldiers passing through the Takixken road port on horseback, demonstrating the enduring role of these animals in China’s border defense strategy.
The use of horses highlights the extreme conditions of the mountainous terrain along China’s borders, which remain largely impassable for modern vehicles. Horses provide a reliable and efficient means of transport in areas where steep gradients and narrow paths limit the effectiveness of conventional military vehicles.
China is not the only developed country maintaining the use of animals in military operations.
The German Army, for instance, employs mules for logistical support in the Bavarian Alps. These hybrid animals, a cross between horses and donkeys, can carry loads of up to 120 kilograms across rugged landscapes, making them indispensable for mountain troops.
The Gebirgsjägerbrigade 23, Germany’s Mountain Infantry Brigade, regularly trains with mules to ensure their readiness for high-pressure scenarios. “These animals are vital for operations in challenging environments, where no vehicle can navigate,” noted a German military spokesperson.
Similarly, the PLA’s reliance on horses reflects the unique demands of maintaining a presence in remote and rugged regions, especially in areas like Xinjiang, where geographical obstacles challenge even the most advanced military equipment.