Malaysia-China 'AMAN YOUYI 2025' Drills: Bolstering Asia-Pacific Maritime Security for Global Trade

Malaysia and China Launch Joint ‘Peace and Friendship 2025’ Military Drills

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Oct 14, 2025 - : 9:01 am

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The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), through its Joint Forces Headquarters, has announced the commencement of the biennial joint exercise, 'Eksesais AMAN YOUYI' (Peace and Friendship) 2025, with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The drills are scheduled to take place from 15 to 23 October 2025 in the crucial maritime and coastal areas of Selangor, specifically Klang, Subang, and Puchong, as well as the strategic waters of the Strait of Malacca. This collaboration underscores the growing military-to-military ties and shared commitment between the two Asia-Pacific nations to address non-traditional security threats in the region, which is vital for global trade.

The Asia-Pacific region is the world's most critical maritime space for global trade, with major sea lines of communication, including the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, serving as vital arteries for the world's supply chain and energy security. Approximately 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes through the Indo-Pacific, with one-third transiting the South China Sea. Consequently, maritime security, encompassing threats like piracy, illicit activities, and the need for disaster relief, is paramount for the uninterrupted flow of commerce and the economic prosperity of the region and beyond. The 'Peace and Friendship' series of exercises, initiated between China and Malaysia in 2014, has since evolved into an influential platform for regional military cooperation, with the current iteration focusing on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime security.

This year's exercise aims to significantly boost the interoperability between the ATM and PLA, strengthen their bilateral military relationship, and enhance their collective readiness for humanitarian and maritime security operations within the Asia-Pacific region. According to the media statement issued by the Joint Forces Headquarters of the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (Markas Angkatan Bersama) on 13 October 2025, the public, particularly residents in and around the exercise areas of Klang, Puchong, Subang, and the Strait of Malacca, have been advised against panic. This caution is due to the anticipated presence of foreign military personnel and the movement of military vehicles, convoys, and assets throughout the duration of the joint activities. This commitment to non-traditional security threats, such as disaster relief and maritime patrols, reflects a pragmatic approach by both countries to ensure regional stability and maintain the safe passage of international trade.