Oxygen Supply Zone Established for Chinese Troops Stationed at High Altitudes

Oxygen Supply for Chinese Troops Stationed at High Altitudes

Chinese troops stationed at high altitudes in the Xinjiang region now have access to a "20-kilometer oxygen supply zone," significantly improving their access to oxygen. This initiative is particularly important for soldiers stationed at the Karakoram Plateau, where the oxygen content is less than 40% of that on the plain.

In recent years, high-altitude frontier defense posts have been equipped with various oxygen supply methods, including oxygen production cabins, pressurized oxygen chambers, and portable oxygen cylinders. Soldiers stationed at these posts can now easily access oxygen, which was not always the case in the past.

One soldier shared that when his squad leader first arrived at a defense post, oxygen supplies were scarce, and only soldiers in critical condition could use bottled oxygen. Today, his company benefits from a sufficient and easily accessible oxygen supply.

In addition to oxygen supply methods, the troops also have access to oxygen-enriched indoor training facilities. These facilities are equipped with heating, humidifiers, and oxygen generators, providing functions such as oxygen enrichment, pressurization, temperature control, and humidification.

The oxygen-enriched indoor training facilities also feature fitness equipment such as treadmills and spin bikes, allowing soldiers to enhance their oxygen intake through exercise.

In 2020, an oxygen production cabin was established at the border defense company, allowing the simultaneous refilling of multiple high-concentration oxygen bottles. This eliminates the need for soldiers to travel over 100 kilometers to refill oxygen supplies.

The oxygen therapy chamber, which was set up in 2021, can seat eight plateau border guards at one time and enable them to breathe oxygen under normal atmospheric pressure or slightly higher pressure. This helps eliminate the adverse reactions caused by hypoxia and low air pressure on the plateau, and prevents mountain sickness.

With better support for the oxygen demand of the plateau troops, the incidence of altitude sickness has significantly decreased, which has contributed to the promotion of the plateau troops' combat capabilities.

The Health Bureau of the CMC Logistic Support Department plans to extend the pilot installation and usage of newly developed equipment such as small oxygen generators and individual oxygen supply devices for use on plateaus. They will also continue to improve the oxygen production and supply support technology. With these efforts, the oxygen demand of the troops for war preparation and fighting will be better satisfied.