(Recast) China, Malaysia conclude first joint military exercise

The first joint military exercise between China and Malaysia, coded "Peace and Friendship 2015," wrapped up here on Tuesday, with both sides believing it will help the two countries and armies promote mutual trust and deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields and all levels.

Yi Xiaoguang, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, said in an address at the closing ceremony that during the exercise, the two sides have increased mutual understanding through sincere exchanges, enhanced mutual trust through close collaboration and promoted friendship through joint tasks.

Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Mohd Johari Baharum said that the exercise has demonstrated how the armed forces of Malaysia and China can cooperate to achieve their goals.

At a press conference held after the closing ceremony, Yi said China's armed forces are willing to develop military-to-military relations that are non-confrontational and not directed against any third party.

China is committed to promoting cooperation and exchanges with defense departments and armed forces from all ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, including Malaysia, to jointly face the new challenges and threats and maintain regional peace, Yi said.

The possibility of more countries participating in this kind of exercise in the future cannot be ruled out, he added.

For his part, Johari said he hopes there will be more cooperation and more such exercises between China and Malaysia.

The exercise, which began on Sept. 18, included exercises for joint escort, joint search and rescue, hijacked vessel rescue, weapons use, humanitarian rescue and disaster relief.

It was the largest bilateral military exercise between China and a country from ASEAN.

Armaments displayed by China included a missile destroyer, a missile frigate, a hospital ship, four transportation planes and three helicopters. Endi