China-Myanmar conduct Naval drill to forge stronger military ties

Concluding its four-day visit to Myanmar, the Chinese navy fleet conducted its first joint naval drill with Myanmar's navy on Sunday.

The visit is part of China's 180-days goodwill tour itinerary, which includes 20 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

The naval fleet has previously visited the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and will mark its next stop at Bangladesh.

The Chinese naval fleet consisted of three domestically made ships- Missile destroyer Changchun, missile frigate Jingzhou and supply ship Chaohu.

The Global times reported Li Jie, a Beijing-based navy expert evaluating that the ships China sent were comparatively advanced and experienced in escort, drill and patrol missions, and the F11 Aung Zeya and UMS Anawrahta (771) sent by Myanmar's navy were also the country's two flagship warships in service.

Wu Qian, the spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense, informed that China will proactively implement the consensus agreed on by Myanmar and China's leaders, to enhance communication and deepen practical cooperation, to promote military ties and safeguard regional peace and stability.

The drill comes in the wake of the China-Myanmar crude oil pipeline began operations last month in hopes of familiarizing the two naval forces that will be expected to deal with potential hazards that accompany the establishment of the pipelines.

The Chinese President Xi Jinping also met Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi previously in the week to express hopes of developing mutual understanding, mutual trust and expanded cooperation between the countries.