China has for the first time sent troops for Exercise Khaan Quest, one of the world's largest training exercises focused on peacekeeping operations, which began on Saturday at a military base near Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia.
More than 1,200 military personnel from 23 nations, including Mongolia, the United States, China, France, Japan and others, are scheduled to participate in command post exercises and field training exercises.
According to the military attache office of the Chinese Embassy to Mongolia, this is the first time that China has sent troops to join the annual exercises, which began in 2003.
This year's exercises, which will last until July 1, aimed to enhance cooperation on international peacekeeping operations between all the participant countries, the Mongolian Defense Ministry said.