China, Indonesia to hold disaster relief drill for 1st time: spokesman

Chinese and Indonesian troops will conduct a joint disaster relief exercise for the first time in Indonesia from late November to early December, China's Ministry of National Defense said in Beijing on Thursday.

Wu Qian, spokesman for the ministry, said that according to the consensus reached between the two sides, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command will dispatch soldiers to Indonesia to participate in the Peace Garuda-2024 joint HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) exercise.

"Both sides will deploy ground, naval and air forces to conduct drills on search and detection, medical treatment, personnel evacuation and settlement, NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) protection and parachute delivery, and carry out cultural and sports activities. This exercise is the first of its kind between the Chinese and Indonesian armed forces, which will help deepen their pragmatic cooperation, enhance their joint operational capabilities and contribute to regional peace and stability," said Wu.

China, Indonesia to hold disaster relief drill for 1st time: spokesman

China is willing to work with the international community and play a constructive role in resolving Myanmar's Rakhine State crisis, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Mao made the remarks when asked to comment on the current situation in Rakhine State, as the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor on Wednesday asked judges to grant an arrest warrant for Myanmar's junta chief over alleged crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya Muslims.

"The Rakhine issue has a complex historical, ethnic and religious background, which needs to be prudently resolved with a multi-pronged approach. As a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China closely follows the developments of the situation in Rakhine State and stands ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in stabilizing and deescalating the situation," she said.

China pledges constructive role in resolving Myanmar's Rakhine State crisis