Int'l Army Games 2018: China's Xinjiang sees opening of three army contests

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02:07

The International Army Games 2018 has kicked off in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Thousands of spectators and participants were in attendance for the start of the two-week military event. Our reporter Zheng Yibing is in Korla for the latest.

Open fire for the start of the army contests.

358 participants and 471 referees from 10 countries gather in China's Xinjiang for three contests for this year's International Army Games.

YE JIANJUN MAJOR GENERAL, PLA ARMY "We'll do our best to provide services with high quality and efficiency, to make the contests a grand military event and a platform for each country to exchange, and deepen friendship."

China is hosting this military version of the Olympic games for the second time. The event was started by Russia and this year, it's held in seven countries. Participants compete on land, in the air, and out at sea.

On training grounds in Korla, participants showed their will to compete.

LI LEI, LIEUTENANT REPRESENTATIVE OF PARTICIPANTS "I take this solemn oath on behalf of all participants. 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."

The three contests in Korla this year involve infantry fighting vehicles, air defense, and engineering.

There are also single games and relay races, aiming to enhance combat capabilities physically, mentally and technically.

ZHENG YIBING KORLA, XINJIANG UYGUR AUTONOMOUS REGION "During the next ten days, all participants will give their best for the three army contests. And they said this is not only a chance to compete but also an opportunity to share experiences and improve together. Zheng Yibing CGTN, Korla, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region."