China and Thailand on Monday started their first-ever combined
training of special troops in Guangzhou, capital of south China's
Guangdong Province.
Coded "Strike-2007," the two-week training also marks the first
joint military training China held with other countries.
"The training is a new way of cooperation between Chinese and
foreign military forces," Zhang Qinsheng, commander of Chinese
People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guangzhou Military Area Command,
said at the ceremony to launch the training.
"Compared with joint military exercises, the combined training
means cooperation in a deeper sense," he said.
As a combined training generally lasts longer than a joint
military exercise, it offers trainees more opportunities to have a
closer observation of other military forces, regarding arms
equipment, campaign-related thinking, and personnel quality, Zhang
said.
The anti-terror training involves 30 soldiers from the special
troops of both sides. Divided into three stages, the training
includes climbing, shooting, combat techniques, jungle crossing,
and study on tactics of special forces.
Zhang said the training will help deter terrorist forces and
safeguard regional peace and stability.
Malai Keewtiang, assistant Chief of Staff of the Royal Thailand
Army, said the training showcased the substantive cooperation
between the armies of China and Thailand.
China and Thailand held their first joint search and rescue
exercise in December 2005. Since then, the two have planned and
prepared for the combined training.
Yang Yi, an expert with the PLA National Defense University,
said the training will lead to more combined drills between China
and other countries.
(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2007)
