The Aman Youyi-2023 multinational joint military exercise, hosted by China and joined by five Southeast Asian countries, has transitioned into its actual combat phase, as reported on Thursday. The exercise, which includes ground, maritime, and aviation forces, aims to significantly enhance the interoperability and trust among participants, according to experts.
The current phase of the exercise involves land and sea activities. In the land drills, troops from China, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam executed an elimination mission against mock terrorists in simulated city blocks. Employing tactics such as air-land integration and multidimensional encirclement, the forces successfully rescued simulated hostages. Images released with the PLA Daily report depicted wheeled infantry fighting vehicles and tactical assault vehicles surrounding buildings, with helicopters performing mid-air rappelling.
Concurrently, an anti-piracy actual combat exercise at sea unfolded. The Chinese Navy’s Type 052D destroyer Nanning, Type 054A frigate Bayannaoer, Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship Weishanhu, and Type 056A corvette Suqian, joined forces with the Selangor offshore patrol vessel of the Malaysian navy and the Quang Trung frigate of the Vietnamese navy. The naval task group engaged in joint air defense, with Chinese fighter jets covering the warships.
The joint exercise, featuring forces from six countries, focuses on comprehensive counter-terrorism and anti-piracy drills. A military expert based in Beijing highlighted that the exercise displayed a high level of interoperability and further enhanced mutual trust among participants. Against the backdrop of tensions in the South China Sea, the exercise emphasized cooperation and friendship among ASEAN members.
The actual combat drills allowed participants to optimize procedures and mechanisms in joint operations, deepening military mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation. It demonstrated their confidence and determination to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. The Aman Youyi-2023 exercise commenced on November 13 in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, marking the largest edition of the Aman Youyi series since its inception in 2014 and the first time the series has been hosted in China.