China opens military academy to media for the 1st time

The Chinese army has opened its military academy for the first time to journalists in advance of Aug 1 Army Day, China News Service reported.

Chinese and foreign journalists came to the PLA Engineering Academy of Armored Forces in Beijing on Tuesday morning, where they watched a video of the academy's development, toured teaching and research facilities, saw an armored equipment exhibition and communicated with students.

Geng Yansheng, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, said the public can learn more about the Chinese army through military academies, which reflect the future of the army.

Xu Hang, head of the academy, said they are training people for information-based wars in the future.

The Chinese army has organized an open day for journalists at its units before Aug 1 Army Day every year since 2008.

Geng said more types of military units will be opened to the public in the future.