AFP / AFX, BEIJING: China's military has begun its biggest-ever war exercises open to foreign observers with 16,000 soldiers carrying out maneuvers in the nation's Inner Monogolia region.
Some 40 military officers from 24 countries, including the US, North Korea, Russia and major European and NATO nations began observing 'North Sword 2005' in north China, Xinhua news agency reported.
'The exercise can play a positive role for the Chinese and foreign armed forces to learn from each other, promote mutual trust and understanding, and deepen friendship and cooperation,' a Chinese officer in charge of the war games was quoted as saying.
China's defense ministry refused to comment. It was unclear how long the exercises will last and what purpose they would serve.
