PHOTO by Lin Qinghua/Xinhua

GUANGZHOU, Nov 13 - A joint military exercise by Chinese, Cambodian, Laotian, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese forces began in South China's Guangdong province on Monday morning.

Exercise with code designation "Peace and Friendship-2023" focuses on joint counter-terrorism efforts and maritime security. It also aims to strengthen the urban counter-terrorism, maritime counter-terrorism and counter-piracy capabilities of the participating forces and to further deepen mutual military confidence and cooperation to jointly ensure peace and stability in the region.

The exercise, code-named China, is being held for the first time and marks the participation of a record number of countries.

Opening ceremony of the joint military exercise "Peace and Friendship-2023" began on November 13, 2023 in the city of Changjiang in South China's Guangdong Province.

(Xinhua/RoZ)