Article Posted on : - Nov 01, 2010

SATTAHIP, THAILAND (BNS): The Chinese marines and the Royal Thai Marine Force Corps have begun a joint military training exercise called "Blue Strike 2010."

In the next 20 days, marines of the two countries will carry out skill demonstrations, mixed training, comprehensive exercises, joint research and exchanges, a Xinhua report said.

The Chinese contingent comprising of 115 members is carrying out the joint exercises with foreign forces outside China for the first time. The exercise began on Thursday at Sattahip Naval Base on the eastern Thai coast.

“The drill demonstrated the traditional Sino-Thai friendship and cooperation,” Vice Admiral Su Zhiqian, commander of the South China Sea Fleet of the Chinese Navy, was quoted as saying.

Rear Admiral Sompont Sangsuwan, commander of Royal Thai Marine Force Corps also said, “The joint training would boost Sino-Thai friendly relations, which helped maintain regional peace and stability.”