China, Malaysia, Thailand start joint military drill

By Omer Faruk Yildiz

KUALA LUMPUR (AA) - Armies of China, Malaysia and Thailand held their first joint military drill on Wednesday in Malaysia.

The Aman Youi 2018 (Peace and Friendship 2018) drill began in Malaysian coastal city Port Dickson.

Vice-admiral at Malaysian Armed Forces, Syed Zahiruddin Putra, said that the drill will contribute to the defense units in the fields of humanitarian aid, disaster management, naval security and the fight against terror.

Chinese Lt. Gen. Ma Yiming said the military drill displays the participating countries' mutual aim for peace and friendship.

The Chinese army attended the exercise with 693 military staff, one destroyer and frigate, while the Malaysian army joined with 592 military staff, two frigates and two helicopters.

Thailand, observer of the drill, sent personnel to participate in the battle plan as well as the drill management.

The exercise will end on Oct. 29.

China and Malaysia had their first ever joint military drill in 2014 to develop ties.