Tank Biathlon Competition with Participants from 37 Countries Including China
Putin Promotes Russian-Made Weapons
[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] As Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its sixth month, Russia has held the 'Army 2022 International Military Forum' and 'International Military Games,' Chinese media outlet Pengpai reported on the 16th. The forum and military games reportedly featured participation from over 270 teams representing 37 countries (regions).
The media reported that the Chinese 96B tank team also competed in the 'Tank Biathlon,' showcasing the performance of Chinese-made tanks.
The Tank Biathlon is an adaptation of the 'biathlon,' combining cross-country and shooting. Rankings are determined through high-speed maneuvers, obstacle navigation, and various shooting tests at the competition venue. The Chinese team previously secured second place last year, following Russia.
However, the fact that this event was held amid the Russia-Ukraine war has sparked considerable criticism.
Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the opening ceremony held on the 15th (local time) and stated, "Russia is ready to provide the most modern weapons?from small arms to armored vehicles, artillery, fighter jets, and unmanned aerial vehicles?to allied countries," drawing criticism from Western media. This statement can only be interpreted as an intention to sell weapons used in the invasion of Ukraine.
Whether Russian-made weapons will be sold remains uncertain. Contrary to initial expectations, Russia is struggling in Ukraine, and the superiority of Russian weapons has not been highlighted, given that Russian forces are having difficulties against weapons supplied to the Ukrainian military by the United States and other Western countries.
Meanwhile, President Putin said regarding the invasion of Ukraine, "Our troops, engaged in a special military operation, are fighting alongside the Donbas warriors for Russia, for the peaceful lives of the people of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics."
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