国内英语新闻:China Focus: Featuring exchange and win-win, "Seaborne Assault" concluded in China

FUZHOU, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The International Army Games 2018 "Seaborne Assault," hosted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, came to a successful close Saturday.

Some 200 contestants from Iran, Russia, Sudan, Venezuela and China competed in a short obstacle course, survival trail, and relay race during the past two weeks, which challenged the participants' limits and built a bridge of friendships.

Team China won three first-place individual awards and the first-place group award, according to Senior Colonel Chen Weidong, head of the council of referees.

Russia placed second while Venezuela and Iran shared third. Team China won the top three prizes in the obstacle and survival trail events and the top two prizes in the relay race.

To ensure fairness and transparency of the competition, 78 fixed cameras, 100 high-definition cameras held by sideline referees, as well as display monitors and a control system were used during the competition.

Referees from all the participating countries made decisions on the spot during each event. A total of 10 meeting summaries were agreed upon with no objections or appeals.

"Team members from the five countries competed alongside each other and built a bridge of friendship," Chen said, noting this further enhanced the mutual understanding and trust between the navies, and deepened their military cooperation and exchanges.

'Exchange' and 'win-win' became key words for this competition.

"Team China has shown great strength and served as a great example during the competition. They are well prepared and dignified to place first," said Capt. Nelson Callejas Montilla, head of Team Venezuela. "For us, China is a brother. We hope to increase our development potential through more exchanges with China."

"Each country has strong points for reference," Xu told Xinhua. "My biggest gain from this year's competition is to have learned about strategies and experiences from the participating countries. We are also able to enhance our understanding and friendship with each other."

Xu Xiaofei, a Chinese team member, awarded the honorary title "best sniper" during the "2018 Seaborne Assault," was the only competitor to hit all his targets at the survival trail event this year.

Participants used Chinese equipment during the event, with training provided by the organization committee.

"The driving force and fire control devices of China’s amphibious infantry fighting vehicles are impressive," said a Russian team member.

"I am very impressed by the performance of the PLA Navy-Marine Corps," said Brig. Gen. Pilot Tilal Ali Alrayah Alsiddig, military attaché of Sudan's embassy in China.

"It was a good opportunity to witness the PLA's development, and I hope our countries can have more exchanges like this in the future."

It was the first time for LTJG Mohsen Sheehee from Iran to visit China. "Iran and China both have profound civilizations. I learned from books about the deep history and cultural diversity of China. But by coming here in person, I have a much deeper appreciation."

The International Army Games have been successfully held each year since 2014. Currently, the games cover over 20 professional areas of the army, navy, and air force. With the participation of about 30 countries, the international influence of the games has become greater each year.

"Seaborne Assault" has been held three times in Russia and was hosted by China for the first time in 2018.