China is one of the 11 host countries for the 2021 International Army Games, which involve 277 teams from 42 countries and regions. On Sunday, 10 teams from seven participating countries attended an opening ceremony in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Soldiers of China, Belarus, Egypt, Russia, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Vietnam have gathered in Xinjiang to compete in three games: "Suvorov Attack," "Clear Sky" and "Safe Environment." It's an occasion to develop combat tactics, share skills, and build rapport.

"Russia is using its own equipment for the competition, but others are using equipment provided by China. Before contests begin, coaches will train the teams and help them adapt to conditions on the ground," Colonel Li Yuanxun told CGTN in an interview.

This is the fourth time the Games have been held in the Gobi Desert in Xinjiang. Compared to previous editions, this year's event focuses more on real combat scenarios. For the first time, the Chinese military has sent members of its navy, air force and rocket force to take part in the event.

The "Suvorov Attack" competition, named after Russian strategist Alexander Suvorov, is held on a closed 4.3-kilometer track with 12 obstacles and two firing locations. It requires contestants to evade obstacles, and fire while driving.

"Currently, our team needs to work on their mentality. After rounds of intensive training and evaluations, our team members are confident about the upcoming competition. They're all stable and ready to go," Pei Deyi, coach for China's "Suvorov Attack" team, explained to CGTN.

During the "Clear Sky" contest, air defense teams will test their firing abilities against high-speed air targets.

In "Safe Environment," participants must evade obstacles while driving at high speeds, and sprinting while wearing air-tight masks and suits, in a simulation of a chemical attack.

The Army Games will come to an end on September 4, when a closing ceremony will be held and three of the best-scoring teams in each event will be awarded.

(Cover photo: Soldiers from seven countries gather to take part in the International Army Games 2021 in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, August 22, 2021. /Chinese army)