Foreigners invited to observe Chinese military drill

ZHENGZHOU - Some 350 foreign military personnel were invited to observe a two-day military drill held in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, as part of efforts to boost openness in the military sector.

Foreign military attaches, students and observers from 89 countries watched the exercise carried out by a light mechanized infantry brigade of the 20th Group Army of the People's Liberation Army's Ground Force.

The entire drill, including preparations and actions for battle, was open to foreign personnel. Tactics such as night combat and air and ground coordination in different conditions were showcased during the drill.

"This drill is the first time China's battle preparation and coordination practice were introduced," said Ong Yulin, a Singaporean military attache, adding that the exercise allows foreigners to better understand China's military cooperation with other countries.

"Conducting such a drill can help foreign countries to know the real Chinese army and is conducive to deepening friendship and boosting mutual understanding," said Zhao Bao, an official from the Ministry of National Defense.

Zhao added that the Chinese army's open attitude to the outside world shows its candidness and confidence and its resolve for peaceful development.

The drill was carried out from Tuesday to Wednesday.