International Army Games start in northwest China’s Xinjiang

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By CGTN's Meng Qingsheng

The 2017 International Army Games started in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Saturday.

The event, organized by China’s ground troops, is part of a competition hosted by Russia. Nearly 500 participants are set to take part in the two-week event, which covers a whole range of combat skills by ground troops, the navy and air force.

Ground troops from Belarus parade at the opening ceremony held on Sunday in Korla City, Xinjiang. /CGTN Photo

This military event was first launched by Russia in 2013. Since then, the Chinese army has attended the games three times, but this is the first time for the army to get involved as one of the organizers. This year, the Chinese army has sent a team of 84 soldiers to compete in all four events, the same number as that of Iran and Russia.

Fighting vehicle performs precision-firing at the opening ceremony of the International Army Games on Sunday. /CGTN Photo

The commanding officer of the Chinese army delegation, Ye Jianjun, stated that this event is a chance to build up a rapport among armies from different countries, and allows the participants to take a closer look at each other’s equipment and the capabilities of military personnel.

Parachute troops descend from the sky, carrying national flag of the participating countries. /CGTN Photo

The conditions in Xinjiang are more challenging than those of previous competitions, as it is in the middle of the Gobi Desert. But China’s commanding officer Ye Jianjun suggested that the obstacles simulate real combat situations, and are within the requirements set by the organizing committee in Russia.

A Uygur dance. /CGTN Photo

Despite challenges, expectations are high among participating countries. “We came here and did adaptive training, and being trained by PLA sectors. I hope to achieve a better result at the end of the games,” said Elijah Mukanganyama, the commanding officer of the Zimbabwe army delegation.

2546km