Source: english.chinamil.com.cn

07-26-2007 11:12

LANZHOU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,600 Chinese officers and soldiers are on their way to Russia to attend a joint anti-terrorism drill held by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO).

The last batch of Chinese soldiers left for Russia last Saturday, along with armaments needed for the drill, from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The soldiers, with the average age around 21, are required to do physical exercises even on the train, including 100 sit-ups and 100 pushups each day, despite the limited room.

They are also asked to help clean dining cars. Before leaving for Russia, Chinese soldiers underwent about 60 days of intensive training in the Gobi desert in Xinjiang. However, none of them fell ill despite the strong winds and a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius.

When the train arrives at a station, the soldiers would inspect every piece of armament and various vehicles to ensure they are tightly fastened, said Colonel Lan Qing, who was in charge of the equipment safety.