Would-be teacher finds success as elite sniper

Twenty-five years ago, Li Xingkun initially had plans to teach school, not shooting, for a living.

Now 46, the star sniper with the Guizhou province branch of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force issues a crisp command during a live drill: "Eliminate the target!"

On the training ground, his sturdy build and piercing gaze depict a toughness that masks his scholarly past. Supported by armored personnel and under the cover of tear gas delivered by drones, Li's special operations unit moves through a mock urban block. They bomb a door, secure the building and press on.