China sends soldiers to Russia for snowy mountain challenge
- A team of 11 is heading to the Western Sayan range for a gruelling series of exercises including avalanche rescue skills
- Analyst says PLA will be learning from Russian military practice in extreme conditions
According to China’s defence ministry, 11 soldiers from the Harbin-based 78th Group Army unit under Northern Theatre Command will travel to Russia on Friday to take part in a 50km (31-mile) trek through the Western Sayan mountain range. Challenges will include locating someone caught in an avalanche, fixed rope descent and rescue, as well as shooting and grenade exercises.
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The Sayan March competition, from April 14-17, is the first of 34 exercises taking place within the framework of this year’s International Army Games. It is the first time China has taken part in this preliminary stage of the competition.
Team leader Cui Yingbin told military newspaper The PLA Daily that China aimed to check its level of combat readiness through the games. “By competing on the same stage with servicemen from various countries, we can not only further test the level of our military’s combat readiness, but also enhance mutual friendship and deepen military exchanges and cooperation between countries.”
The report also quoted Xu Bing, one of the 11 selected soldiers, who said all the Chinese participants were determined to perform well in the competition.
China has a tradition of turning to Russia in developing its military prowess, from hardware design to the structure of its armed forces. The Sayan March competition is an opportunity to learn more about Russian practices in extreme conditions, according to Hong Kong based military analyst Song Zhongping.