CAIRNS, Sep. 5 (ChinaMil) -- Exercise Kowari-2018, a trilateral survival training exercise among China, Australia and the US, was held from Aug. 29 to Sept. 5 in Cairns, Australia.
Mixed into three combined teams, thirty soldiers from the Chinese Marine Corps, the Australian Army, the US Army and the US Marine Corps carried out joint exercises including such subjects as mountain marching, sea kayaking, canyon crossing and whitewater rafting.
The Kowari joint exercise is an important platform for the militaries of China, Australia and the US to maintain positive interaction, deepen mutual understanding and enhance mutual trust. This is the fifth Kowari joint exercise hosted in Australia. It is also the first time that China sends its Marines to participate in the joint exercise.
The exercises were carried out in the dangerous terrain and virgin forest around Cairns. The participants have to deal with waves, rapids, whirlpools, crocodiles, cliffs and other dangers, which is the good test and training of military skills, psychological quality, will and team spirit.
China, Australia and the US also sent high-level delegations to observe the exercise on site.
Senior Captain Chen Weidong, deputy chief of staff of the Chinese Marine Corps, said in an interview that the Chinese participating soldiers, through exchanges with the Australian and US forces, have further understood the direction and goals of military construction in other countries and improved the skills for survival and extreme challenges in the wild.
The joint exercise has also deepened mutual trust, provided a bridge for future training exchanges and promoted friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Australian, as well as Chinese and American militaries, Senior Captain Chen added.
The US Marine Corps Col. James Schnelle, commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, said that the Chinese participating soldiers have strong capabilities in overcoming difficulties and are very united during the joint exercise.
The eight male and two female soldiers representing the Chinese Marines in the joint exercise have won wide praise for their superb skills, excellent conduct and self-confidence.
