With one year to go until the 7th Military World Games, preparations are well underway for the event, also known as the Military Olympics. 

Military members from more than 100 CISM member countries will participate in 27 different sports between October 18 and 27 in 2019. On Wednesday, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense gave a briefing on the latest preparations as China is the host nation.  

Among them, more than 400 athletes from the Chinese People's Liberation Army will compete in 26 sports, in what will be the largest ever Chinese military delegation to the event. China is hosting the event for the first time, and using the slogan "Military glory and world peace." Meanwhile, the coming game has already launched the theme songs, emblem and its mascot Bingbing, in the image of a Chinese sturgeon.

"As a member state of the International Military Sports Council, it's our responsibility to actively bid for the games. Meanwhile, 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of establishing the new China, so it is especially meaningful. We would like to present China's strong commitment to peace through hosting the games. At the same time, it will be a good opportunity for China to showcase its great achievements in its 40-year reform and opening up as well as its rich culture," said Jia Shijiang, military spokesperson for the executive committee of the 7th Military World Games.

The host city Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, hopes the games will help boost its image worldwide.

"The green concept is the driving force behind the games. We hope the green and eco-friendly manners become the icon of the game and a lasting legacy for the city of Wuhan," said Chen Ruifeng, executive vice-mayor of Wuhan City.

The Military World Games, held every four years, aim to promote military friendship and peace through sports. The first edition of the event was held in Rome in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.