Deepening Military Cooperation and Building a Strong Shield of Friendship
——Overview of the China-Laos “Friendship Shield-2024” Joint Exercise
■ Liberation Army Daily special correspondents Wang Shangjian and Liu Ying
On July 18, local time, the China-Laos “Friendship Shield-2024” joint exercise concluded at the Kumaden Academy of the Lao People’s Army training ground. During this exercise, Chinese and Lao soldiers collaborated on three phases of exercises focused on adaptive training, command exercises, and actual combat exercises. These exercises centered around the theme of joint defense operations, strengthening the traditional friendship between the two armies while simultaneously enhancing joint combat capabilities.
This joint exercise focused on sharpening the two sides’ integrated planning and joint command capabilities. By establishing a director’s office and a joint command post, organizing research topics, conducting tabletop exercises, and command drills, the joint command mechanism was further optimized and the joint command link was streamlined. “There are some differences between China and Laos in command methods and command habits. To this end, the commanders of both sides have engaged in in-depth coordination and communication to formulate a standardized joint command process,” a Chinese participant noted.
At the command post, upon receiving the order to “rescue hostages in the target area,” Chinese and Lao staff immediately initiated discussions and swiftly completed information flow and command decision-making assistance. This involved collecting and organizing intelligence, integrating operational situations, and meticulously analyzing enemy and friendly combat forces.
The foundation of joint operations lies in rigorous training. This joint exercise and training program expanded the exchange of subjects compared to its predecessor. Soldiers from both sides not only engaged in live-fire shooting using a variety of firearms but also actively participated in training exchanges on subjects like internal and external coordination among armored infantry squads, operation of mine-sweeping and explosive disposal equipment, countermeasures once morest drones, grappling and fighting techniques, and combat injury treatment. These activities effectively laid a solid foundation for joint operations between the two sides.
From land coordination to land-air joint exercises, the scope of exchanges and cooperation has broadened. In the blockade operation, the Lao side provided airdrop cover while the Chinese side executed a rope-drop assault. During battlefield wounded treatment, the two sides collaborated on air evacuation missions. Daily training included targeted joint training on air assaults, covert enemy engagements, blockade operations, and other crucial tasks. Through repeated joint training, the ability of China and Laos to execute joint missions has continuously improved.
The joint live-fire exercise was the highlight of this joint training program. During the exercise, the two sides distinguished five combat phases, namely reconnaissance and deployment, joint resistance, multi-pronged attack, joint clearing, and ending the battle. They practiced numerous subjects such as infantry squad alert action, infantry platoon offensive action, armored infantry squad vehicle internal and external coordination, and special sniping. These exercises refined combat skills through real-world scenarios.
During an operation to clear a specific highland, Chinese and Laotian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) forces guided EOD robots to swiftly recover explosives and transport them, while a mixed engineering EOD team efficiently organized the EOD operation. When sealing off the target area, the Lao side was responsible for providing fire cover, while the Chinese participating officers and soldiers employed reconnaissance and strike drones for reconnaissance and strikes. Simultaneously, snipers were deployed to occupy advantageous terrain to “eliminate points.” To suppress firepower points within buildings, combatants relied on small wall-penetrating radars to detect indoor threats and utilized unmanned vehicles to coordinate firepower strikes, jointly achieving the objective of sealing off the target area.
Exchanges in multiple fields strengthened the shield of friendship. During breaks in the joint exercise, Chinese and Lao soldiers engaged in friendly tug-of-war and football matches, enriching their downtime and enhancing the bond between the two sides. China and Laos also jointly hosted a spectacular cultural evening. The dragon and lion dances, martial arts performances, and other programs brought by China impressed the Laotian soldiers; the Lao soldiers performed traditional dances and sang in Chinese with Chinese soldiers. The Chinese participating troops, alongside Lao medical staff, provided free medical services to local soldiers and civilians, which was met with positive reception from all parties.
This year marks the second iteration of the China-Laos “Friendship Shield” series of joint exercises. The joint exercise has established a robust platform for exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries, injecting positive energy into regional peace and stability. Both sides agreed to fully recognize the practical significance of military exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and further deepen strategic mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries.
Deepen Military Cooperation and Build a Strong Shield of Friendship: An Overview of the China-Laos “Friendship Shield-2024” Joint Exercise
The China-Laos “Friendship Shield-2024” joint exercise, which concluded on July 18th at the training ground of the Kumaden Academy of the Lao People’s Army, served as a testament to the deepening military cooperation and enduring friendship between the two nations. The exercise, spanning three phases of adaptive training, command exercises, and actual combat exercises, centered around the theme of joint defense operations, enabling both Chinese and Lao soldiers to bolster their combined combat capabilities while strengthening their historical bond.
A Focus on Joint Command and Integrated Planning
The “Friendship Shield-2024” exercise prioritized honing the two sides’ integrated planning and joint command capabilities. This involved establishing a director’s office and a joint command post, organizing research topics, conducting tabletop exercises, and participating in command drills, all aimed at optimizing the joint command mechanism and enhancing communication between the two forces.
“Command methods and habits in China and Laos differ somewhat. To address this, commanders of both sides engaged in extensive coordination and communication to establish a standardized joint command process,” remarked a Chinese participant in the exercise.
Command Post Drills and Simulations: A Test of Coordination
Within the command post, when the order to “rescue hostages in the target area” was given, Chinese and Lao staff immediately engaged in discussion and swiftly completed the information flow and command decision-making process. This involved collecting and organizing intelligence, integrating operational situations, and analyzing both friendly and enemy combat forces, showcasing the collaborative efforts in real-time scenarios.
Joint Training: Strengthening the Foundation of Cooperation
Solid joint training forms the basis for successful joint operations. The “Friendship Shield-2024” exercise expanded upon previous exercises by broadening the scope of subject matter for exchange and training. Both Chinese and Lao soldiers participated in various live-fire drills, utilizing different firearms and engaging in specialized training encompassing:
- Internal and external coordination between armored infantry squads
- Operation of mine sweeping and explosive disposal equipment
- Counter-drone measures
- Grappling and fighting techniques
- Treatment of combat injuries
These multifaceted training sessions effectively established a robust foundation for successful joint operations between the two nations.
Expanding the Scope: Air-Land Integration and Joint Missions
The joint exercise expanded beyond land-based coordination to encompass air-land joint exercises, highlighting the increased breadth of exchange and cooperation. In the blockade operation, the Lao side provided airdrop cover while the Chinese contingent executed a rope-drop assault. During battlefield casualty treatment, combined air evacuation missions were carried out.
Furthermore, daily training sessions focused on specialized joint training modules such as:
- Air assaults
- Covert enemy engagements
- Blockade operations
These repeated joint training initiatives consistently improved the ability of China and Laos to execute joint tasks effectively.
Culminating in Joint Live-Fire Exercises: A Show of Force and Skill
The highlight of the joint exercise was the live-fire drill, which involved five distinct combat phases: reconnaissance and deployment, joint resistance, multi-pronged attack, joint clearing, and ending the battle. These phases included various training subjects:
- Infantry squad alert actions
- Infantry platoon offensive actions
- Armored infantry squad vehicle internal and external coordination
- Special sniping techniques
This live-fire exercise honed combat skills through realistic battlefield simulations, strengthening the joint operational capacity of the two forces.
The Highlight of the Live-Fire Exercises: A Showcase of Joint Tactics and Capabilities
The clearing of a designated highland served as a prime example of the joint tactics employed. Lao EOD forces, supported by EOD robots, quickly neutralized explosives, while a combined engineering EOD team efficiently coordinated the operation. The Lao side provided fire cover during the sealing off of the target area, while Chinese officers and soldiers leveraged reconnaissance and strike drones to conduct reconnaissance and strikes. Simultaneously, snipers were positioned on strategic terrain to “eliminate targets”.
To suppress firepower points within a building, combatants utilized small wall-penetrating radars to identify indoor threats, employing unmanned vehicles to coordinate firepower strikes, ensuring a collaborative effort to achieve the desired goal of sealing off the target area.
Strengthening the Shield of Friendship: Cultural Exchange and Humanitarian Efforts
Beyond military training, the “Friendship Shield-2024” exercise facilitated cultural exchanges and humanitarian efforts, solidifying the bond between the two nations. During breaks from the joint exercise, Chinese and Lao soldiers engaged in friendly tug-of-war and football matches, fostering camaraderie and friendship.
A remarkable cultural evening was co-hosted by both sides, featuring performances like:
- Chinese dragon and lion dances
- Martial arts displays
- Lao traditional dances
- Lao soldiers singing in Chinese with their Chinese counterparts
The Chinese participating troops, in collaboration with Lao medical personnel, provided free medical services to local soldiers and civilians, garnering widespread appreciation.
A Renewed Commitment to Regional Peace: A Legacy of the “Friendship Shield-2024” Exercise
The 2024 iteration of the “Friendship Shield” series of joint exercises marks the second time that the Chinese and Lao militaries have collaborated on this initiative. The exercise has established a valuable platform for military exchanges and cooperation between the two nations, contributing positively to regional peace and stability. Both sides have reaffirmed the significant value of military engagements and cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing the deepening of strategic mutual trust and enhanced pragmatic cooperation between their military forces.
