China, Saudi Arabia to Maintain Joint Naval Drills Subsequent Month: Beijing

China and Saudi Arabia will maintain their second-ever joint naval drills subsequent month, Beijing’s protection ministry introduced Thursday, as China forges deeper ties with the Center Japanese energy.

The drills, dubbed “Blue Sword 2023,” will happen in China’s southern province of Guangdong in October, Beijing stated.

“This joint coaching focuses on abroad maritime counter-terrorism operations, conducting workouts on sniper ways, boat driving, helicopter touchdown, and joint rescue,” protection ministry spokesperson Wu Qian informed a press briefing.

The 2 international locations beforehand held joint naval drills in 2019, in accordance with the official Saudi Press Company.

They’re “aiming to deepen sensible and pleasant cooperation between the 2 militaries and enhance the extent of sensible coaching for the troops,” Wu stated.

The workouts come as Beijing forges deeper ties with Riyadh and performs peacemaker within the Center East.

This 12 months, China brokered a deal that noticed longtime regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agree to revive ties and reopen their respective embassies.