SCO joint military exercise officially begins in Russia

The "Peace Mission 2021", a joint counter-terrorism military exercise of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, officially kicked off in Orenburg in Russia on Monday.

The opening ceremony was resounded with national anthems of participating countries. Officers and men of all countries dressing in battle attire were lining up neatly and hundreds of military equipments were gleaming in the sun.

Commanders of participating countries delivered speeches in turn, expressing their good wishes for unity and cooperation and their firm belief in jointly fighting the "three evil forces" and maintaining regional security and stability.

"This exercise is an effective move to further carry forward the 'Shanghai Spirit', implement the purpose of the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, and build a closer SCO community with shared destiny. We will live up to our mission, and complete the exercise with top-notch organization and command, technical and tactical levels and combat style," said Zhang Lei, deputy director of the director department of the Chinese troops.

The "Peace Mission 2021" joint military exercise is the 14th joint exercise within the framework of the SCO, with China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other participating countries sending about 4,000 troops and more than 500 large-scale equipment.

China pitched in more than 550 officers and men and 130 pieces of equipment.

The participating troops of various countries entered the exercise area before Sept. 11. They completed the establishments of a joint director department and a joint anti-terrorist campaign cluster command center, and conducted three joint drills with troops participating.

The exercise will end on Sept. 25 as scheduled.

The joint exercise is aimed at deepening defense and security cooperation among member states, improving their ability to cope with new challenges and threats, and jointly safeguarding regional peace and security.

The SCO marks its 20th anniversary this year.