BEIJING, 08 October 2025 – China and Malaysia will conduct a joint military exercise this month, aimed at enhancing cooperation in disaster relief, anti-piracy operations, and maritime security, according to statements from China’s defence ministry and the China Military Bugle, an outlet affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The drills, scheduled for 15–23 October, will take place in Malaysia and nearby waters. More than 1,000 military personnel from both sides will participate including over 700 from China supported by vessels, helicopters, and unmanned systems.
The exercise marks the sixth edition of the China-Malaysia joint drills and forms part of Beijing’s wider effort to strengthen defence ties with Southeast Asian nations, even as regional tensions persist over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Deepening Regional Defence Cooperation
Participating forces departed on Wednesday from China’s military ports in Zhanjiang, Sanya, and Hong Kong, heading toward Malaysia for the upcoming operations.
According to China’s defence ministry, the joint exercise will focus on “humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime security,” and will include observers from other ASEAN member states.
The ministry said the exercise aims to “deepen practical cooperation between the Chinese and Southeast Asian militaries, boost their capability to jointly tackle non-traditional security threats, and maintain regional peace and stability.”
Malaysia’s defence ministry has not yet issued an official comment.
Strategic Timing Ahead of ASEAN Summit
The upcoming drill comes as Malaysia prepares to host the annual ASEAN Summit later this month, where leaders are expected to discuss progress on a long-awaited code of conduct for the South China Sea.
Following the summit, Malaysia will also host the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and regional counterparts from 30 October to 2 November, underscoring Kuala Lumpur’s active role in promoting dialogue and regional stability amid rising geopolitical competition.
In 2023, China hosted the fifth edition of the joint military exercise, which included participation from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, overlapping with claims by Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
