Chinese Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 heavy transports used in the search for the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 are towed on the tarmac of Perth International Airport, March 25, 2014. [File Photo: VCG]
China, Malaysia and Thailand, will hold a joint military exercise from October 20 to 29 in Malaysia's Podchen and Port Kelang as well as its coastal waters following a tripartite agreement signed by the three nations.
The announcement was made by China's Ministry of National Defense on its website on Sunday.
Chinese military is set to send 692 officers and soldiers, three destroyers, two shipboard helicopters, three Ilyushin IL-76 heavy transports and four vehicles to participate in the joint military exercise named "Peace and Friendship-2018".
The joint military exercise is aimed at showing the common goal of the three countries to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, promote pragmatic exchange and cooperation among partners, and enhance capabilities to counter security threats.
The National Defense Ministry of China stressed that the exercise is not targeted at any country.
