Military ties between China and Russia are getting closer, and the signs are there for all to see. Both countries signed a roadmap on military cooperation for 2017-2020 in early June. And from July 29 to August 12, China will, for the first time, help co-organize Russia’s annual International Army Games.
According to Xinhua, China’s national news agency, China will organize a total of six competitions, four of which in Korla, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, one in Changchun, Jilin province, and one in Guangshui, Hubei province.
The four competitions to be held in Korla are as follows:
Each team will use its infantry fighting vehicles to cross obstacles that engage firing targets and to finish three rounds of individual and relay races.
China, Russia, Angola, Iran, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela will participate the competition.
Russia will bring its own military equipment, but the other countries will use Chinese military equipment.
2)Clear Sky:
This will be a competition focused on man-portable air-defense system (MANPAD). Each team will use their MANPADS to fire at flying targets.
China, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Iran, and Venezuela will participate the competition. All participants will use Chinese military equipment.
This is a competition on nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance. Each team will search for radioactive sources and conduct decontamination.
China, Russia, Belarus, Egypt, and Iran will participate, and all participants will use Chinese military equipment.
4) Gunsmith Master：
This is a competition in the maintenance section. Each team will compete in the area of dismantling and repairing multiple guns.
China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran will participate, and all participants will use Chinese military equipment.
The other two competitions will be held in Changchun and Guangsui.
The Aviadarts is to be held in Changchun:
This is a competition on aircraft involving operational-tactical aviation, military transport aviation,and army aviation.
Only China and Russia will participate and each country will use its own aircraft.
The Airborne Platoon is to be held in Guangsui:
This will be a competition on airborne squads. China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Morocco, South Africa, and Venezuela will participate.
In addition to the competitions, the Chinese Army will also “hold exhibitions of weapons” for competing countries during the games, said Xinhua.
Charlotte Gao holds a MA degree in Asian Studies. Her research interests center around East Asian topics. She has worked in the past as a news editor, reporter, and writer for multiple traditional, online, and new media outlets.