Chinese army opens an air-defense brigade to national and international reporters 0108131.

According to Senior Colonel Geng Yansheng, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Chinese and overseas reporters are allowed to visit troops stationed outside of Beijing together for the first time in the activity, and meanwhile, this is the first time for the PLA to open its air-defense troops to Chinese and overseas media, and also the first time to make the designation of the responsible troop known to the public.

During the activity on the very day, the Chinese and overseas reporters watched a video clip on the brigade, and Chen Xifeng, commander of the brigade, gave a briefing on the brigade and answered reporters’ questions. Afterwards, the reporters watched static display and actual operation of the weaponry and equipment of the brigade. Meanwhile, 30-odd officers and men of the brigade were interviewed by the reporters.

According to a briefing, the “Media's Chinese Military Visit” is organized around August 1 every year since 2008 by the related departments, such as the State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the MND and the General Political Department (GPD) of the PLA, aiming to let the world know the real Chinese military.

The HQ-7B is a short-range air defense missile with an operating altitude of 6,000 meters and operating range of 15,000 meters. It is designed to intercept fixed-wing aircrafts, attack helicopters, drones and precision-guided munitions such as surface-to-air missiles and cruise missiles.