China, Kyrgyzstan conduct joint anti-terror drill in Xinjiang

World
Europe

By CGTN's Meng Qingsheng & Zhang Youze

Border control police from China and Kyrgyzstan have concluded a joint anti-terror drill in the border area of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The exercise, named Tianshan-Three, featured coordinated efforts to locate and crack down on the so-called “three evil forces” of terrorism, separatism and extremism in the region.

Around 700 police officers and special forces troops from both countries took part. Photo by Ministry of Public Security / CGTN Picture

Wu Dongsheng, chief commander of Tianshan-Three from the Chinese side, said an influx of ISIL terrorists into China is putting border police under a lot of pressure, but this drill shows China has the capability to safeguard its territory.

The joint drill involved anti-riot vehicles, armed helicopters, and drones. Photo by Ministry of Public Security /CGTN Picture

The exercise is the third of its kind undertaken by Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries, with the previous two drills held in 2006 and 2011. The group is made up of China, Russia and four central Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan.

This is the second time China and Kyrgyzstan have worked together to conduct Tianshan anti-terror drills. Photo by Ministry of Public Security / CGTN Picture‍

Officials said more security cooperation is on the agenda for the SCO and it will play a pivotal role in ensuring regional stability.