China has sent its improved Type-96B Main Battle Tank to Russia's "2016 International Army Games" as it hopes to win the tank versus tank competition for the first time since it joined in 2014.

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Some 20 Chinese military vehicles consisting of five Type-96Bs, armored personnel carriers and assault boats are now in Russia to participate in the Army Games that will see 19 countries fight it out in 23 competitions.  The war games, which are organized by Russia's Ministry of Defense, will be held from July 30 to Aug. 13 at multiple Russian Army training grounds.

This is the first time the Type-96B has been seen in public outside of China.

The Type-96Bs will do battle in the Masters of Automobile and Tank Hardware competition, also called a "Tank Biathlon" because of its toughness. It will compete against Russia's T-72 MBT.

China also joined the war games held in 2014 and 2015. The latter drew 2,000 participants from 17 countries grouped into 57 teams.

In 2014, China won third place with its Type 96A and second place in 2015, also with the Type 96A. China is confident it will win first place this year with the much improved Type-96B.

China will be among a few countries that will use their own military vehicles during the competitions. Of particular interest will be the upgraded version of China's Type-96 (ZTZ-96) MBT, the Type-96B.

The Type-96B features improved computer and digital communication systems that enable tank commanders to use common integrated battlefield intelligence from higher levels of command.

There might also be improvements to the Type-96B's engine, exhaust system, suspension and wheels but these haven't been confirmed. The engine of the Type-96B is said to be more powerful than the Type-96A, China's current MBT.

Tags2016 International Army Games, Russia, china, Type-96B, MBT