BEIJING - China's Ministry of National Defense has invited foreign military?officials for a tour of Tibet from Friday, according to a ministry statement.

A total of 96 military?officials and their spouses from 46 countries are taking the trip and will visit the cities of Xining, Lhasa and Chongqing.

The visitors will be briefed about military construction in Tibet and shown around a military brigade with the Tibet Military command and the Logistical Engineering University of the PLA.

They will visit a Tibetan pharmaceutical factory, homes of Tibetans and local scenic spots, according to the statement.

The visit is aimed to enhance the officials' knowledge and understanding of the lives of the people of Tibet and promote cooperation between Chinese and foreign militaries.

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