Contests in NW China's Xinjiang boost military exchanges

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02:48

Three contests of the International Army Games 2018 are underway in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The games will run consecutively until August 11.

The goal is to challenge the 385 participants through rugged terraces and strict rules, testing their abilities and conducting military exchanges in hope to develop a friendship bond between the 17 teams from ten countries including China, Russia and Pakistan.

In the end, they all have but one final goal – to win. The atmosphere is tense.

Seventeen teams from 10 countries join three fierce IAG contests in the Gobi desert in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /CGTN photo

Xu Youze, the chief judge for "Suvorov Attack," said that all teams pay close attention to the daily scores. They request statistics and take them back and analyze every detail for the next contests.

The contests in Korla began on Monday with individual games of "Suvorov Attack." This category tests the combat capabilities of Infantry Fighting Vehicle crews. It involves four legs: relay racing, an obstacle course, water crossing and shooting.

This was followed on Tuesday by "Clear Sky," in which air defense units fire at aerial targets, both while halted and in motion.

Chinese teams took an initial lead, but the outcome is still uncertain as the games will last until August 11th.

Chinese teams take an initial lead, but the outcome is still uncertain as the games will last until August 11th. /CGTN photo

The third contest "Safety Route" begins on Thursday. It will test engineering units trying to cross a minefield.

But the results of the games are not the only achievements.

Zhou Zhigang, coach of China's "Suvorov attack" team, said that through training and competing with foreign armies, they have broadened their horizons by comparing techniques, and this experience keeps improving their training methods.

Although the intense matches, there are also friendships being formed.

More than 470 referees from ten participating countries in IAG contests in Korla are overseeing the games. /CGTN photo‍

"I can feel every team's determination to win this game. I'm grateful to have this chance to meet with Chinese soldiers. We also exchanged souvenirs with Chinese soldiers," said Todorov Andrey Vasilevich, a Russian "Clear Sky" team member.

Lieutenant Colonel Okler Yustiz, the commander of Venezuela's "Suvorov attack" team, said they have made friends with many Chinese soldiers during the games, and they also want to use this game to show the friendship between Venezuela and China.

Over 470 referees are overseeing the games. They all took an oath at the launch of the games to ensure the contests go smoothly, with each team having an equal chance of success.

The Chinese army says that the contests will uphold the spirit of fighting, honor and cooperation, and will fulfill the commitment to professionalism, openness and fairness.

These are goals the participants say they will strive for.