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Large-scale military drills taking place in southern China

Apart from Chinese troops, the exercise also involves service members from Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand

BEIJING, November 14. /TASS/. Over 3,000 troops are taking part in the Peace and Friendship international drills in the city of Zhanjiang in China’s Guangdong Province, the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

According to the ministry’s statement on the WeChat social media platform, the drills are quite large-scale. Apart from Chinese troops, the exercise also involves service members from Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. The drills will last until November 22.

Most of the Chinese troops taking part in the exercise come from the Southern Theater Command, while other parties have sent ground troops and navy ships to China. Sporting events and cultural activities will accompany the drills.

The goal of the exercise is to practice skills in combating terrorism and maintaining maritime security. Such drills are said to be taking place in China for the first time.