Viral Video Misleads on China’s Military Presence Near Arunachal Pradesh

A video circulating on social media has sparked alarm by claiming that China has initiated a large-scale military build-up near Arunachal Pradesh. This assertion, which has raised concerns about potential tensions along the India-China border, has been confirmed as false by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India.

The PIB’s fact-checking unit clarified that the footage in question depicts a routine military exercise conducted by a brigade of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s 78th Group Army, which occurred approximately one month ago. The 78th Group Army is part of China’s Northern Theatre Command, headquartered in Harbin, located in Heilongjiang Province.

In a statement posted on December 14, 2025, the PIB emphasized that the video has no relation to military activities near the Indian border. The fact-checking unit stated, “The video shared shows a military exercise conducted by a brigade of the PLA’s 78th Group Army, which is part of the Northern Theatre Command. The video has no relation to any exercise on the Indian border.”

The PIB urged the public to remain vigilant when encountering such claims, particularly regarding sensitive national security matters. They advised citizens to rely solely on information from official sources to avoid the spread of misinformation.

While the initial video may have generated significant anxiety, the clarification from the PIB highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it online. The rapid dissemination of misleading content can contribute to unnecessary tensions, especially in regions with complex geopolitical dynamics.

As misinformation continues to pose challenges, the PIB’s proactive approach serves as a reminder of the necessity for discernment in the digital age. In today’s interconnected world, remaining informed requires critical evaluation of content, especially when it pertains to national security and international relations.