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Joint military exercise with China begins

Kunming (China): Troops of India and China on Friday began their first-ever joint military exercise, with focus on anti-terrorism drill, in southwest China, taking the ties between the world’s two largest armies to a new high.

The hoisting of the flags of both countries to the national anthems played by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) band and a march-past marked the opening ceremony of the five-day drill that began at the Kunming Military Academy in Yunnan province in an air of expectancy from both sides.

The exercise, “Hand-in-Hand 2007,” began with the Chinese soldiers demonstrating skills in “Hard Qigong” martial arts, including self-defence actions.

This was followed by manoeuvres showing the capabilities of the PLA soldiers to strike at the enemy, overcoming obstacles, including exploding bombs and grenades hitting at the target shooting at short intervals.

Seated on stage, the Indian troops, drawn from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, watched with keen interest every action of the Chinese soldiers and clapped in appreciation after the end of each manoeuvre.

At the opening ceremony, Brig. D.S. Dadwal, head of the Directing Staff, said the joint military exercise was “another step” to deepen the understanding and cooperation between the two armies.

He said development of military-to-military relations was an integral part of the overall improvement of bilateral relations as he noted a “lot of positive developments,” including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation, which had led to the exercise as its “logical outcome.”

Major Gen. Xiong Zuoming, head of a Chinese military expert group, said the international community had recognised that terrorism would have a “negative impact” and the joint training showed that both India and China were committed to fighting it and ensure peace and stability and a “harmonious world.”

“The training is a testimony to the world of determination and abilities both our armed forces share in fighting terrorism and their commitment to peace and stability.”

After the demonstration of their combat skills, the PLA displayed Chinese-made weapons.

“The Chinese soldiers were quite professional and their skills were of a good order. Their firing standards were also good. Their tactical and individual skills were impressive. During the exercise, we will be able to learn from each other,” Col. J.S. Budhwar, battalion commander, said after the Chinese manoeuvres.

Col. Y.K. Joshi, defence attaché at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, said the joint exercise was a “big step forward” in defence relations between the two countries. “We will learn from each other so that we are able to operate together should there be a requirement for inter-operability.” — PTI

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