Chinese military arrives Indonesia for joint disaster relief exercise

The Chinese military on Saturday noon arrived in Indonesia via two Y-20 transport aircraft to attend a joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise from late November to early December.

According to the consensus between the two militaries, troops from the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command will participate in the Peace Garuda-2024 joint HADR exercise, the first of its kind between the two sides.

During the event, army, naval and air force elements from the two sides will conduct drills on search and detection, medical treatment, personnel evacuation and settlement, nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection, and parachute delivery. They will also carry out cultural and sports activities.

This is the first time for Chinese and Indonesian armed forces to hold such an exercise. It is beneficial for deepening practical cooperation between the two militaries, enhancing the joint operational capabilities of the forces, and is of positive significance for maintaining regional peace and stability.

The Chinese participating troops are organized and commanded by the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army. They have conducted targeted training for the participating officers and soldiers in their respective camps prior to the exercise, focusing on improving skills, coordination, and command in the joint exercise scenarios, to ensure the exercise achieves its predetermined outcomes.

Chinese military arrives Indonesia for joint disaster relief exercise

Iran is not only ready for talks with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect, but also fully prepared for war, said Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday.

At a press conference in Tehran, Araghchi accused the U.S. and Israel of playing a direct role in recent unrest across Iran. He said the Iranian government has obtained evidence showing that the recent disturbances, including attacking police stations and burning public facilities, were carried out by "terrorists" backed by the U.S. and Israel.

The Iranian government announced a three-day nationwide mourning period from Monday to honor police officers, security personnel, and civilians killed during the disturbances.

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, at least 111 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in the unrest over the past two weeks. Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures for protesters.

At midday on Monday, Iranians remained largely without internet access, according to on-the-ground reporting by a China Media Group (CM) journalist, who also said domestic phone services have not been disrupted in Iran over the past 24 hours.

Security has been reinforced across Tehran, with police increasing patrols in key locations and blocks.

Despite heightened security measures, traffic conditions in Tehran were reported to be normal.

Iran ready for talks with US based on mutual respect: FM

Iran ready for talks with US based on mutual respect: FM