In sub-zero winter temperatures, these trainees at a derelict army base outside Beijing wake before dawn to practice martial arts and evasive driving. It’s all part of preparations to provide security for the growing number of Chinese businesses investing in turbulent regions of Africa and the Middle East. Under the instruction of former Portuguese special forces bodyguard Marco Borges, the 40-strong group, most of whom have military backgrounds themselves, take part in a grueling regimen.
China’s First Defense: Bodyguards Train to Protect Chinese Interests Abroad
Ed Jones / AFP / Getty Images
Trainee bodyguards stand in formation as they listen to Genghis Security Academy founder Cen Yongqing (R) following an ambush scenario exercise at an army training ground on the outskirts of Beijing on Jan. 18, 2013.
