The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command will send troops to Indonesia for the Peace Garuda-2024 joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, scheduled to take place from late November to early December, according to Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

During a press briefing, the spokesperson highlighted that both nations will involve their army, navy, and air forces in the drills, focusing on activities such as search and rescue operations, medical treatment, personnel evacuation and sheltering, nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection, parachute drops, and cultural and sports exchanges.

This marks the first joint HADR exercise between the Chinese and Indonesian armed forces.

The initiative aims to strengthen practical collaboration, enhance joint operational capabilities, and promote peace and stability in the region.