13-11-2023 (BEIJING) In a bid to bolster regional security and foster military collaboration, China is set to conduct anti-terrorism exercises, named “Aman Youyi 2023,” with five Southeast Asian nations in the waters off its southern coast. The manoeuvres, announced by China’s defence ministry, aim to strengthen military trust among the participating nations amidst escalating tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The participating countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, will engage in a comprehensive series of land and marine counterterrorism and security operations during the drills. Zhanjiang, a strategic port city in Guangdong province, will host the multinational exercise, marking the first time Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos will join the annual event since its inception in 2014.
Of particular note are Vietnam and Malaysia’s involvement, as both countries have contested several of China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. Tensions in the region have recently heightened, with the Philippines, another claimant, rebuking China for “recklessly harassing” boats in disputed areas.
According to a statement released by the Chinese defence ministry on Sunday, the exercises, coordinated by the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army, aim to enhance the participants’ urban and maritime counterterrorism capabilities. The primary goal is to deepen military mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, contributing to the joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the region.
This year’s drills mark the fifth edition of the routine “Aman Youyi” military exercises between China and Southeast Asian countries. The inaugural edition in 2014, initiated by China and Malaysia, focused on escort, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance. Since then, the exercises have evolved, with live drills hosted by Malaysia in 2015 and 2016 and Thailand joining as a participant in 2018.
The involvement of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam doubles the number of participating countries this year, underscoring the growing importance of these joint exercises in the region. The planning process began in May with an initial conference, followed by a final planning conference in August, highlighting the commitment of all six nations to the success of the drills.
Notably absent as an observer this time is the Philippines, which has recently clashed with China over South China Sea rights. However, the joint exercises proceed amidst tensions between Chinese and Philippine coastguard vessels in disputed areas, with recent clashes near the Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal raising concerns over territorial sovereignty and adherence to regional agreements.
As the participating nations gear up for “Aman Youyi 2023,” the international community watches closely, hoping that these joint efforts will contribute to easing tensions and fostering cooperation in the strategically crucial South China Sea region.
