A laser imitation system for tank battles developed in China has been used in a training exercise in the deserts of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in north China.

Experts from the PLA Beijing Military Area Command training base designed the sophisticated imitation system, according to military sources.

An exercise to check the maneuverability of the Chinese Army under real-war circumstances is now under way, with the "Red Army" brigade, from the Shenyang area command in the northeast, trying hard to break the defenses of the "Blue Army" of the PLA Beijing Military Area Command.

The exercise began on Sept. 5 when the "Red Army" left their home barracks in northeast China, heading for the training base in north China. Since then, the "Red Army" has been attacked by warplanes and electronic and electromagnetic weapons from the "enemy" -- the "Blue Army."

After trekking 1,500 kilometers, the "Red Army" arrived at the real "battle ground" -- the training base, where the "Blue Army" lay in wait for the "enemy" troops with the newly developed imitation system.

Since the "Red Army" knew little about the new training equipment, the "Blue Army" introduced the new technology with a laser imitation "tank battle" performance. Later, the two sides will fight a "tank war" using the imitation system.

A group of Xinhua reporters have been authorized to provide exclusive on-site coverage of the exercises.

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2006)