The Peace Mission-2021 joint anti-terrorism exercise of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states will be held at Donguz training range in Orenburg, Russia from September 11 to 25.

Themed on the subject of preparation and implementation of joint anti-terrorism operations by troops of SCO member states, the drill will cover a slew of training items, including reconnaissance and monitoring, firepower strike, peripheral blockade and control, sweeping terrorists’ dens in streets, forward defense, ground assault, as well as separation, encirclement and annihilation of the terrorists, and resistance to drone attacks.

The Chinese side will send more than 550 troops together with 130 vehicles mainly from the PLA Northern Theater Command to the exercise. As a routine arrangement under the SCO framework, the drill aims to strengthen the defense and security cooperation among the SCO member states, enhance their capability of responding to new challenges and threats, and jointly protect regional peace and security.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of SCO. Under the personal promotion of the heads of member states and the guidance of the “Shanghai Spirit”, the defense departments of all member states have continuously intensified their strategic mutual trust, pushed forward practical cooperation, and, in particular, fostered a series of military and cultural brands, such as the Peace Mission joint military exercises and the Fanfare for Peace military tattoo.

The SCO has become a major constructive force in international and regional affairs, playing a positive role in safeguarding world peace and regional stability. Standing at a new starting point, China stands ready to work with other member states to keep close contact and communication, improve the cooperative mechanism and deepen collaboration in specific fields, in a joint endeavor to create a security landscape of joint building and sharing and make greater contributions to building the SCO community of shared future.