China-Russia Hold Military Exercises In Qingtongxia, Involve 10 Thousand Soldiers

Illustration of a Russian warship (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - China and Russia will hold a joint military exercise on August 9-13, 2021, involving around 10,000 troops.

The military exercise, codenamed Zapad/Interaction-2021, was held at the main base of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Qingtongxia, Ningxia Autonomous Region.

Launching Antara, Saturday, August 7, according to the PLA's official statement, is the first military exercise to be held in China during the pandemic.

"This exercise will demonstrate the capabilities of both sides in dealing with terrorist attacks and maintaining peace and security in the region", said Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesman, Wu Qian.

The military troops from Russia entered the base in northwest China after undergoing quarantine and medical observation by health protocols.

In the exercise, the PLA deployed the Western Command Area, while Russia deployed the Eastern Military District, which totaled 10,000 personnel.

They are currently conducting field introductions and exchanging use of combat equipment.

For the first time, the Russian army tried using Chinese-made Type-11 and Type-08 infantry assault vehicles.

In recent years, the armed forces of China and Russia have tried each other's equipment in joint exercises.

The cooperation between the two neighboring countries in the military field is very close.