China and Thailand are preparing to hold joint air force exercises.

(Baonghean.vn) - On November 11, the Chinese Ministry of Defense officially confirmed that the Chinese and Thai air forces will hold their first joint exercise, codenamed "Falcon Strike 2015".

China's South China Sea Fleet conducted exercises in mid-July. (Photo: PEOPLE'S DAILY)

The exercise will take place at Thailand's Korat Air Base from November 12-30. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated, "The purpose of this joint exercise is to enhance mutual learning and understanding between the two countries' air forces, deepen practical cooperation between China and Thailand, and increase trust and strengthen friendship."

The United States had previously expressed concern about the Thai military coup in May 2014, which led to the country's seizure of power. Since then, Thailand, a long-time ally of the United States, has sought to improve relations with its neighbors, particularly China, amid Beijing's growing influence in the region and globally.

Meanwhile, China is escalating tensions in Southeast Asia with a series of illegal construction activities in the South China Sea. Last week, the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting and its partners, which included representatives from both the US and China, failed to issue a joint statement because the parties could not agree on whether or not to address the South China Sea dispute.

Phuong Thao

(According to Reuters)