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Guns firing, cannons rumbling… China sparkled at the opening of this year's International Army Games in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with stunning weapon demonstrations of surgical precision.
"We integrated our training experience in shooting real targets for the demonstrations today. According to spectators' feedback, the effect was very strong and exciting," said Pan Fuquan, an organizer of this year's Korla military games.
A total of 20 teams from 12 countries will compete in four major contests, including the games' signature, the Suvorov Attack.
Liu Jiaxin, 25, traveled hundreds of kilometers from Urumqi to see the event for the first time. "I'm curious to see the Chinese military's development progress. Who wins doesn't matter that much to me, as long as China does a good job," said Liu.
"I've come to see the games for three years," said Zhang Yuyao, a die-hard female fan of the games, adding, "I'm very confident in Team China's performance this year. I think they will win every event."
The infantry fighting vehicle contest requires speed and accuracy. Participants need to race through obstacles rapidly and steadily while shooting long-distance targets with great precision.
A missile launching vehicle fires HJ-9, also known as Red Arrow 9 anti-tank missile, at a target tank. /Zhao Zhiguo Photo
This year's games will also test skills and tactics in air defense, equipment maintenance, and chemical, biological and nuclear defense - but it's not just about winning.
"I think the teams can also learn from each other in the games. It's important to make the best of each other's advantages," said Luo Ting, another military fan.
The PHL-03, a 12-tube 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), is the first remote multiple artillery rocket system equipped by the Chinese military. /Luo Xingcang Photo
China has participated in each of the annual International Army Games since they were launched by Russia in 2015. This is the third year that China has co-hosted the event.
Nearly 20,000 spectators were in attendance at the opening ceremony on Saturday.
Organizers say there will be over 100,000 people watching the games this year, adding that fans can live stream the event at home to support their favorite teams.
(Cover image: Two Type 88A tanks, China's 2nd generation main battle tank, fire rounds at targets in demonstration at the opening ceremony of the Int'l Army Games 2019 in Korla, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. /Zhao Zhiguo Photo)