Combining forces

The aim of the joint battle drills is to focus on the real-world combat capabilities of the training units involved.

Officers from the Sino-Kyrgyzstan team learn from one another, exchange tactical ideas and study joint anti-terrorism mechanisms to help maintain regional peace and stability.

Alimas, a soldier with the Kyrgyz National Guard, said he intends to participate in the monthlong exercises every year. And because Kyrgyzstan's landscape is dominated by mountains, the drills in unfamiliar desert terrain have so far proved arduous and challenging, but ultimately rewarding.