Shanghai Cooperation Organization Prepares For Massive Military Exercise

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CCTV
Posted : 2007-07-25

Preparations have been completed for next month's joint anti-terrorist exercise by Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.

The exercise, called "Peace Mission 2007," is the biggest military exercise in the organization's history. All six SCO members -- China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- will take part.

The first contingent of the "Peace Mission 2007" has arrived at China's Manchuria border with Russia. They started from Xinjiang and travelled over five thousand kilometers by train.

Wang Wei, officer Chinese contingent, "Peace Mission 2007", said, "We have trained officers and soldiers at all levels in this mission. We checked every stopover along the route, and solved any problems."

About 6,500 troops and 80 aircraft are expected to be involved in the military exercise. SCO member countries' defense ministers will also attend.

Most of the Chinese troops will be transported to Russia by plane from Xinjiang. But weapons and some personnel will go by train. Transport is a challenge because the route is over 10 thousand kilometers long.

Qian Lihua, deputy director, Foreign Affairs Office, M.O.D., said, "This is the first time ALL six members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are taking part in a military exercise together. It's also the first for the PLA to send so many soldiers and weapons to such a remote place."

The exercise is part of efforts to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism in the region. Organizers say the drill does not target any state.

The exercise will take place in Russia's Ural Mountains Chelyabinsk region and in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 8th to 17th.