China announced that it will hold joint exercises with 5 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in their territorial waters on anti-terrorism and maritime security.
According to the statement made by the Chinese Ministry of Defense, the “Aman Youyi 2023” exercise will be held from the middle to the end of this month, off the coast and off the coast of Canciang city of Guangdong province in the south of the country.
Which countries are ASEAN members?
In addition to China, army and navy units from ASEAN members Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos will participate in the exercise, which aims to increase operational capability in the fields of counter-terrorism and maritime security.
The exercise aims to “increase the ability of participating countries to combat terrorism and piracy in cities and at sea” and “deepen military trust between countries to maintain regional peace and stability.”
Exercise decision from China
Aman Youyi exercises were first initiated by China and Malaysia. Following the first exercise in Kuala Lumpur in 2014, where desktop combat scenarios were studied, Malaysia hosted field exercises in 2015 and 2016.
Thailand, which was an observer in the 2016 exercise, hosted it in 2018.
Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos will participate in the exercise, which will be hosted by China for the 5th time this year, for the first time.