The respective navies of China and Thailand commenced a joint military exercise on Saturday at the Sattahip naval base in Thailand.

Dubbed "Blue Strike 2016," the joint exercise involved 1,000 Royal Thai Navy and the Chinese Marine Corps officers. This is the third time that the drill is being conducted.

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The joint exercise will take place in different locations in the coming days such as Thailand's Chon Buri and Chanthaburi provinces.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Deputy Commander Wang Hai and Royal Thai Navy Fleet Commander Adm Naris Prathumsuwan presided over the opening ceremony of the naval drills at the Sattahip naval base.

Military tactics

In his speech, Adm. Naris said the military exercise would help the two nations to share military tactics and strategies, as well as enhance their bilateral relationship which has stood the test of time.

He added the joint exercise is a great avenue for the two nations to cement their friendship and share knowledge and skills in military warfare.

"The exercises will also help increase the capability of marines who participate in the activities," he said.

Humanitarian efforts

Rear Adm. Wang said the drills will not only focus on trading military tactics between the two forces but will also include humanitarian efforts, evacuation operations, and naval attacks against terrorism.

Wang said Chinese Marines and troops from the Royal Thai Navy would exchange training skills and naval strategies to help ensure maritime peace and the stability.

The Rear Adm noted that both sides have the same tenacity to combat global and regional terrorism. 

TagsPeople's Liberation Army Navy, Royal Thai Navy, joint military exercises, Blue Strike 2016, Thailand, china