2018年CRI International Army Games 2018 kick off in China（在线收听）

The International Army Games 2018 have kicked off in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Fujian Province.

17 teams with over 350 soldiers from 11 countries are participating.

CRI's Yu Yang has the story.

The International Army Games have been successfully held 4 times since 2014.

Currently, the games cover over 20 professional areas of the army, navy and air force with the participation of about 30 countries.

Ye Jianjun, deputy commander of the Xinjiang Military Region, says that China will honor its commitment of hosting an open and shared competition.

"We will strive to make this a grand event of military competitions and a platform of exchanges for military forces of various countries, deepen our friendship and cooperation, and demonstrate the image of new armed forces."

Kong Jun, commander of the PLA Navy Marine Corps, says many countries, armed forces and military personnel long for presenting strength of their military forces through this platform.

The commander of the Egyptian delegation, Colonel Ali, has expressed his appreciation to China for inviting the Egyptian armed forces.

"I expect that this competition will further promote the friendship among the participating countries, and enhance the brotherhood among each other. I also hope it will have a positive impact on the cultural and military areas in our country."

The International Army Games, initiated by the Russian Ministry of Defense, is co-organized by China, Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Iran this year.

Other countries including Armenia and India have also sent observers to the events.