China, Laos hold joint military exercises

The Chinese and Lao militaries held an 18-day joint exercise simulating operations against transnational armed crimes.

The exercise, called Friendship Shield 2023, kicked off on May 11 at the Kommadam Military Academy in Vientiane Province, Laos, and is scheduled to last until May 28. More than 900 Chinese soldiers are participating in the exercise along with about 300 vehicles and equipment, including mine clearance systems.

According to Xinhua , the two countries' forces will simulate a campaign to "counter the activities of transnational armed criminal groups" in mountainous areas. Soldiers will participate in comprehensive individual training, live-fire training, and tactical practice at squad, platoon and company levels.

In addition to combat training activities, Chinese and Lao soldiers also participated in many events such as basketball matches, tug of war and art performances during the joint exercise.

Lao and Chinese forces at the opening ceremony of the Friendship Shield 2023 exercise in Vientiane province on May 11. Photo: Xinhua

Major General Yang Wenlin, deputy commander of China's 75th Army Group, said the Friendship Shield 2023 exercise is a "platform for exchanging experiences between the two militaries" as well as strengthening friendship and promoting cooperation between Laos and China.

In July 2022, the two countries' militaries organized a military medical exercise called Peace Train on the Laos-China railway, with a scenario simulating a rescue operation on a train equipped with pandemic response equipment.

Military exchanges and joint exercises between the Chinese military were severely restricted during the Covid-19 pandemic. After China lifted restrictions to prevent Covid-19, the Chinese military quickly resumed military exchanges.

The Chinese and Cambodian armies held the Golden Dragon 2023 exercise from March 20 to April 8, focusing on "training to ensure security for major events, humanitarian work and cultural exchanges."

Nguyen Tien (According to SCMP, Xinhua )

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