Chinese, Indonesian troops complete anti-terrorism exercise

Chinese and Indonesian airborne troops hold a closing ceremony of their one-week bilateral anti-terrorism exercise in Indonesia on November 11, 2013. The drill, code-named "Sharp Knife Airborne 2013", was held in Bandung, the capital of West Java Province and the two sides conducted live-fire exercises, anti-terrorist searches and rescue operations during the drill. [Photo/Gu Shihong]

Chinese and Indonesian airborne troops concluded Monday their bilateral anti-terrorism exercise code-named "Sharp Knife Airborne 2013" in Indonesia, with around 200 elite paratroopers taking part.

During the one-week long drill which was held in Bandung, the capital of West Java Province, the two sides conducted live-fire exercises including air landing, hand-to-hand combat, shooting, obstacle crossing and anti-terrorist searches and rescue operations.

Chen Dong, Chinese People's Liberation ArmyAir Force deputy chief of staff, and Sunaryo, Indonesian National Army Air Force deputy chief of staff, attended the closing ceremony of the joint training after witnessing the air landing and anti-terrorist exercises.

Chen said at the ceremony that the joint drill was conducted amid complex world strategic security situation and growing international terrorism threat.

"The exercise plays an important role in boosting the capability for the two troops to combat terrorism as well as maintaining the regional stability," he added.

China and Indonesia have endured terrorist attacks in the past years and the two countries have determined to fight against terrorist crimes.

Both countries still face the threats of terrorism. Indonesia witnessed bombings on its resort island of Bali in the 2002, which killed 202 people. China saw a terrorist attack in Beijing's Tian' anmen Square last month, which killed two civilians and injured 40 others.

Sunaryo said the joint training has provided a good opportunity for both sides to obtain military experience and expertise.

"It will consolidate the friendly and cooperative relations between China and Indonesia and their troops," the deputy chief of air force staff said.

Representing the third such drill conducted by the two armies, "Sharp Knife Airborne 2013" aims to strengthen the military relations between the two countries and improve the efficiency of their anti-terrorism forces.