CHINA announced yesterday it will conduct joint military drills this month with five Asean nations, focusing on counter-terrorism and maritime security.

The “Aman Youyi 2023” exercise will take place from mid- to late November off the coast of Zhanjiang in South China’s Guangdong province, Anadolu Agency quoted a statement from China’s National Defence Ministry.

Bloc members Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos will take part in the exercise.

The exercise aims to enhance counter-terrorism and anti-piracy capabilities in urban and maritime settings among participating countries for regional peace and stability.

China and Malaysia initiated the Aman Youyi exercise. Following an inaugural tabletop combat scenario exercise in Kuala Lumpur in 2014, Malaysia hosted field exercises in 2015 and 2016.

This year, China will host the fifth edition of the exercises, and Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos will participate for the first time. – Bernama, November 13, 2023.