MOSCOW. July 20 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian and Chinese army commanders have confirmed the readiness of their countries' military units for the Peace Mission 2009 joint anti-terrorist exercises, which are due to take place on July 22-26.
"Over the past few days, I have visited all units of the People's Liberation Army of China that will participate in the Peace Mission 2009 exercises, to which the Chinese authorities attach great importance. The morale of our soldiers and officers is very high. They are looking forward to the start of the exercises. Our military hardware and weapons are in good order and ready for combat," the deputy head of the political department of China's Shenyang military district said, according to the Russian Defense Ministry's website.
The Chinese general also applauded the readiness of Russian servicemen, who arrived in China ahead of the maneuvers.
"In my opinion, the moral qualities of Russian servicemen are very high, and their military hardware and weapons have always been excellent," he said.
"I am pleased both with the level of preparedness and the determination of Russian servicemen," said Lieut. Gen. Alexander Studenikin, who is Russia's commander of the exercises.