Three Chinese naval vessels – the Yinchuan, Jinggangshan, and Jingmen – have embarked from Sanya, Zhanjiang, and Hong Kong respectively to participate in the Peace and Friendship 2025 joint exercise with Malaysia. The drills, scheduled this month, will focus on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and maritime security operations in regional waters.
This marks the sixth iteration of the Peace and Friendship exercises, which Beijing and Kuala Lumpur describe as a cornerstone of bilateral defense cooperation. Analysts note the drills align with broader efforts to strengthen crisis response capabilities and foster trust among Asian nations amid evolving security challenges.
While official statements emphasize the non-combat nature of the exercises, the participation of advanced destroyers and amphibious transport docks highlights growing technical coordination. Maritime security remains a priority for both nations, with over 60% of global trade passing through nearby sea lanes.
