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"Steppe Partner 2026" joint training wraps up in Inner Mongolia

China

China

China

"Steppe Partner 2026" joint training wraps up in Inner Mongolia

2026-06-08 19:35 Last Updated At:20:27

The "Steppe Partner 2026" joint army training between China and Mongolia wrapped up on Saturday in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with the closing ceremony held at a Chinese army training base.

The ceremony officially began at 12:00 amid the raising of both Chinese and Mongolian national flags, with all officers and soldiers of both sides standing at attention, saluting solemnly. Leaders of the Chinese and Mongolian observation delegations distributed souvenirs to representatives of the participating troops at the event, and then the soldiers conducted a series of exchange activities including basketball games.

"During the joint training, we fought side-by-side with our Mongolian counterparts, coordinating our attacks and enhancing our combat capabilities through rigorous training. Living and working together day and night, we had cultural exchanges, shared experiences and forged deep friendships, writing a new chapter of win-win cooperation. This joint training also deepened our understanding about the importance of coordinated operations, providing invaluable experience for every participating officer and soldier," said Yu Jingyang, a member of the Chinese unit participating in the drills.

After the closing ceremony, the participating Chinese troops helped their Mongolian counterparts in loading supplies onto vehicles, dismantling and securing equipment. According to the relevant work plan, the Mongolian troops will depart from the Erenhot border crossing in two transport columns, with all departures expected done by June 10.

"Steppe Partner 2026" joint training wraps up  in Inner Mongolia

"Steppe Partner 2026" joint training wraps up in Inner Mongolia

Once barren land, Baijitan Forest Farm in Lingwu City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is now a vibrant eco-paradise attracting visitors with its lush scenery and family-friendly activities.

A forest campsite there is drawing families and nature lovers with the combination of eco-friendly recreation, fruit picking, and camping.

Entering the Baijitan forest campsite, visitors find tents scattered beneath dense tree canopies, with tourists chatting or playing with children. Rows of Mongolian Scotch pines flourish on both sides, transforming this former desert area into a relaxing outdoor destination for picking, recreation, and exploring nature.

"Our consistent strategy is minimal intervention -- protection first, then development. We've tried our best not to make major changes to existing trees, and the whole ecosystem is kept as original as possible. We are sharing this green forest space and its ecology together," said Zhou Yanyi, campsite manager.

Today, Baijitan Forest Farm continues its business diversification, pursuing an "industry integration plus ecological education plus leisure" model to support coordinated growth in specialty fruit farming, under-forest agriculture, and ecological tourism. In 2025, its revenue from the sand industry and diversified business operations exceeded 85 million yuan (about 12.4 million U.S. dollars).

Once-barren forest farm reborn as thriving scenic attraction in Ningxia

Once-barren forest farm reborn as thriving scenic attraction in Ningxia

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