On August 9, a joyful birthday party with Russian and Chinese blessings was held at the Kyrgyzstani camp in Ili, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. It was a relaxing episode during the tense joint anti-terrorism maneuver by the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to strengthen their ability and cooperation to fight regional terrorism.

It was held to celebrate the 26th birthday of a Kyrgyzstani soldier and on August 12 another party will be held for the 34th birthday of a translator from Kyrgyzstani forces taking part in the maneuver. Chinese logistic staff brought a birthday cake, tasty dishes, beers and non-alcoholic drinks to the party.

The birthday boy at their camp in China was very excited and showed his joys and appreciation by offering the first slice of the cake to a Chinese liaison officer Qiao Huayong after he cut the cake for his celebrating Kyrgyzstani comrades and his new Chinese friends. He said: "Chinese soldiers came to celebrate my birthday. It's a big surprise party for me. I feel that China is a warm place."

As soon as they entered China at the Tu'ergate Port at 9:00am on August 6, more than 30 troops from Kyrgyzstan instantly found themselves surrounded by a warm and friendly Chinese atmosphere. Soon after they drove to Kashi in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a special PLA military trans port picked them up and flew them directly to Yining, which spared them a difficult 1 000-plus km journey on the road. The second day after they arrived in Yining, their Chinese host invited them to take a tour around the urban area of Yining City. Kyrgyzstani soldiers were amazed by this beautiful Chinese city. Of course, to their excitement, they found there an abundant supply of numerous inexpensive goods. Among other things, they bought 8 large radios. On August 9, additional two Chinese squads joined them in joint offensive training.

Chinese commanders explained to Kyrgyzstani troops about situations in China since they were new to China. In the hot sun, Chinese liaison officer Qiao Huayong, translators Liao Xinming, Li Mai and Liu Yanchao joined Kyrgyzstani troops in their training and answered their questions.

The camps for multinational troops were pitched at the foot of a small hill. The host provided its Kazakh, Kyrgyzstani, Russian and Tajik military visitors with TV sets, drinking water dispensers, electrical fanners and basketballs. The Chinese host appointed a senior Chinese cook to bake bread for visiting troops since they were not accustomed to the Chinese diet of rice and noodles. In addition, Kyrgyzstani troops were treated to tasty and nutrient food after their heavy work during the drills. The Chinese also provided Kyrgyzstanis with Hami melon, watermelon and brick tea. When asked how he felt about his life in China, a sentry guarding his camps replied specifically: "Very good. We have water to drink and baths to take, if needed."

After the first phase of Coalition 2003 ended on August 9, Kazakh host treated visiting Chinese military delegation, military experts and commanders taking part in the drills to dinner. Commander of eastern Kazakh military zone threw the cup to the ground and broke it after he made a toast to Li Qianyuan, Chief of Staff of the Lanzhou Military Area Command. It is the Kazakh way of showing respect for distinguished guests: by breaking the cup toasted to their guests so that no other people will use it again. They wanted to show their good wishes for the long time friendship between Kazakh and Chinese troops.

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