(MENAFN) Armed forces from China and Malaysia are set to carry out a joint military exercise in Malaysia and nearby waters in mid-to-late October, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced Wednesday.

The operation, titled "Peace and Friendship 2025", will concentrate on maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, according to the official statement.

The live exercise will feature participation from multiple branches of both the Chinese and Malaysian armed forces. The defense ministry also noted that several ASEAN countries have been invited to attend the drill as observers.

The upcoming drill will be the sixth in the “Peace and Friendship series,” a recurring initiative aimed at strengthening practical military cooperation between China and Southeast Asian nations. According to the defense ministry, the exercise is intended to improve joint readiness in responding to unconventional security challenges and to support peace and stability across the region.

By reinforcing military ties through such initiatives, China seeks to expand its strategic influence in Southeast Asia amid rising regional tensions and growing interest in defense diplomacy.

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