The Chinese military will hold a joint exercise with Cambodian, Lao, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese forces in south China's Guangdong Province in mid-to-late November, according to a statement by the Ministry of National Defense on Sunday.

Themed on countering terrorism and maintaining maritime safety, the exercise will organize joint and live anti-terrorism and anti-piracy drills, according to the ministry.

The aim is to assist participants in improving their urban anti-terrorism, maritime anti-terrorism and anti-piracy capabilities, while also fostering deeper military mutual trust and cooperation to safeguard regional peace and stability, the ministry said.