Int’l Army Games in Korla kicks off in China’s Xinjiang

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The three games hosted by Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the International Army Games 2018 have kicked off in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in hurls of spectacular display of firepower of helicopters, tanks, and other military vehicles, as well as artistic performances.

Artistic performance at the opening ceremony. /CGTN Photo

Political Commissar Gen. Liu Lei of PLA announced the beginning of the games on Saturday morning.

Lt. Li Lei of PLA pledged his determination to compete fairly on behalf of all the participants of the games.

“I will compete in the game whole-heartedly, follow the rules and regulations strictly, respect the referees and comply with their judgement, respect my opponents and compete fairly,” Lt. Li said.

According to official estimates, more than 15,000 spectators came to see the opening ceremony at the venue, which is also the site of "Suvorov Assault" events of the games.

China’s WZ-10 attack helicopter fired flares. /CGTN Photo

China is hosting this military Olympics for the second time. The event was started by Russia, and is co-hosted in seven countries this year.

In the next 10 days, 358 participants and 471 referees from ten countries in four continents gather in China’s Xinjiang for “Suvorov Assaults,” which tests the skills of Infantry Fighting Vehicles crews, “Clear Sky,” a game for air defense crews, and "Safe Routes" for military engineering personnel.

China and Russia are both participating in all three games.

(Cover: Display of firepower by China’s Type 88a Main Battle Tank /CGTN Photo)