BEIJING, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The Chinese military launched a live ammunition exercise in central China Saturday code-named "Iron Fist-2004."
The exercise was carried out by a reinforced mechanized infantry division in mountains in the training base of the Jinan Military Area Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, reported Xinhua, China's main government-run news agency.
About 60 foreign military leaders from 16 countries observed the exercise; including representatives from Brunei, the Philippines, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
It was the first time the PLA invited so many foreign military officers to observe a military exercise, said a Chinese officer in charge of the maneuvers. Military sources said the exercise reflected China's policy of "treating neighbors as friends and partners," and the new security concept of peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation.
