The International Army Games 2018 have kicked off in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Fujian Province.

2018国际军事比赛在新疆和福建拉开帷幕。

17 teams with over 350 soldiers from 11 countries are participating.

The International Army Games have been successfully held 4 times since 2014.

Currently, the games cover over 20 professional areas of the army, navy and air force with the participation of about 30 countries.

Ye Jianjun, deputy commander of the Xinjiang Military Region, says that China will honor its commitment of hosting an open and shared competition.

"We will strive to make this a grand event of military competitions and a platform of exchanges for military forces of various countries, deepen our friendship and cooperation, and demonstrate the image of new armed forces."

Kong Jun, commander of the PLA Navy Marine Corps, says many countries, armed forces and military personnel long for presenting strength of their military forces through this platform.