2-9-2023 (BANGKOK) China and Thailand are set to conduct their annual joint naval training exercise, known as “Blue Strike-2023,” in the Gulf of Thailand and Chon Buri’s Sattahip district. This exercise will feature the participation of Chinese warships and submarines and will run from Sunday until September 10.
The primary objectives of this training exercise are to facilitate the exchange of naval knowledge, enhance preparedness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, conduct naval operations, and strengthen military relations between the two nations, according to a navy source.
The Chinese naval contingent arrived at the training site on Thursday and was welcomed by Thai navy officials, including navy chief Adm Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, Chinese envoy Han Zhiqiang, and Royal Thai Fleet commander Adm Adung Phan-iam. Special Capt Peng Peng, leader of a squad of Chinese navy trainees, and senior Chinese officers were also part of the welcoming party.
During the “Blue Strike-2023” exercise, a Chinese naval task force will utilize various assets, including the Changcheng submarine, amphibious dock landing ship Siming Shan, guided-missile frigate Anyang, and comprehensive supply ship Chaohu. The training will encompass both land and sea exercises, including sniping tactics, jungle survival skills, and maritime search and rescue operations. Additionally, there will be sessions focusing on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense.
The primary goal of this joint training exercise is to strengthen practical cooperation between the Chinese and Thai navies and enhance their ability to address regional security threats collaboratively.
In related news, Adm Choengchai Chomchoengpaet confirmed that the Thai navy has approved the use of the Chinese-made CHD620 engine as a substitute for a German-made engine in an S26T Yuan-class submarine currently being assembled in China by the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. The navy also announced plans to allocate up to 200 million baht for the salvage operation of the sunken HTMS Sukhothai in Prachuap Khiri Khan, with 110 million baht coming from its budget and an additional 90 million baht requested from the Budget Bureau for the mission.
