More than 100 journalists visited the Sixth Armored Division of the Beijing Military Command on Friday morning as the the People's Liberation Army (PLA) marked its 81st anniversary.

The division, the first PLA unit to be fully equipped with Chinese-made tanks, armored vehicles and artillery, is one of China's elite land forces.

Journalists covering the Olympics, 103 in total, visited the division's weapons and showcases of large-scale military exercises at the camp in Nankou Town, Changping District in northern Beijing suburbs.

Among the reporters were 48 foreign journalists from 30 organizations including Reuters and the Los Angeles Times.

It is the largest group of foreign journalists the troop has received since its opening to overseas visitors in 1971, said Chen Xuewu, the division commander.

"We only allowed visitors from socialist countries, but now we are open to delegations from all countries that have diplomatic ties with China," he said.

In front of the five tanks and armored trucks, foreign journalists were allowed to take photos and climb up to the tanks and took photos of the inside.

Journalists also visited the soldier's culture and sports center.

Asked why there were no soldiers in sight, Chen said that they were all in training according to the division's annual military training plan.

"We would love to enhance exchange with visitors but it is impossible for us to change our training schedule for exchange purpose," Chen said.

The 8,000-strong division is one of the major forces safeguarding Beijing's security and has participated in National Day parades, he said.

The division also plans to invite foreign military specialists and military reporters to visit the division and watch the troop's exercise in the future.

The division will also send troops to help deal with incidents during the Olympic Games.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2008)