The naval forces of China, Iran and Russia conducted a joint exercise code-named "Security Belt 2025" near Iran's Chabahar Port from March 9 to 13, a Chinese defense spokesperson said on Thursday.
"In accordance with the annual plan and the consensus reached by China, Iran, and Russia, the naval forces of the three countries conducted the 'Security Belt 2025' joint exercise in the waters near Iran's Chabahar Port from March 9 to 13. Under the theme 'Building Peace and Security Together,' the drills involved over 10 vessels from the three navies, as well as special operation forces and diving units to join the exercise, which focused on counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations, including maritime target strikes, vessel inspection and seizure, damage control, and joint search and rescue. These drills effectively tested tactical coordination and joint operational capabilities while deepening military trust and practical cooperation among the participating nations," said Wu Qian, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference.
Personnel from the three navies participated in ship visits and cultural-sports exchanges to foster camaraderie, the spokesperson added.
"Since 2019, China, Iran, and Russia have successfully held five joint naval exercises. China is willing to actively engage in maritime security cooperation with all parties, and make new contributions to global and regional peace and stability," Wu said.
Chinese, Iranian, Russian navies conduct joint maritime exercise
Myanmar's government is coordinating all departments to work together to save lives during the critical 72-hour rescue window, amid what an official on Sunday described as a "very chaotic condition" following the devastating earthquake.
The rescue work after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the southeast Asian country at around 12:50 local time (06:20 GMT) on Friday currently faces great difficulties, according to Min Min Thein, director general of the Department of Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.
"Because of the strong nature of the earthquake, some of the basement floors collapsed down and some people are trapped in these areas. So we are identifying these people -- where are the missing people, where are the trapped people. The fire safety department, and also the military personnel, and also other representatives from different ministries, are working together to save the lives of the victims as much as we can. At the time, we also have some kind of damage in some of the hospitals, so it is a very chaotic condition at this moment. However, we are trying to manage as much as we can, and also these fire safety departments are working 24 hours these days to catch up the 'golden hours' -- 72 hours. And also, we are also arranging for the emergency shelters and also food and water assistance," he said.
Min Min Thein expressed the government's gratitude to the rescue teams rushing to the quake-hit areas from various countries, emphasizing that China's immediate response in dispatching experienced rescue teams demonstrates the friendship between China and Myanmar.
"So the first international [team] arriving is a Chinese rescue team, and then later followed by other teams. So such kind of experienced team, and also experienced with equipment, are coming together, expressing friendship between China and Myanmar," said the official.
Myanmar making every effort to save lives in "very chaotic condition" after deadly earthquake: official
