Officers and soldiers wave goodbye to Russian fleet during a joint China-Russia naval drill off South China's Guangdong province, Sept 19, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Self-building through military drills

In recent years, the military has become more open and active in international affairs, such as peacekeeping and escort operations, as well as humanitarian aid.

China is participating in 10 United Nations-led peacekeeping missions, deploying more than 2,500 personnel, more than the other four permanent members on the Security Council combined, according to UN statistics.