Naval and air units of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted a joint training exercise in the waters and airspace around China's Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea on Sunday, focusing on a series of actual-combat subjects, including reconnaissance and early warning, rapid maneuver, and joint search and rescue.
The exercise effectively tested the participating troops' capabilities for sea-air coordination and for giving rapid support.
A statement from the command said the exercise is a necessary operation taken in response to the acts taken by certain countries that have undermined regional peace and stability.
Theater Command troops remain on high alert at all times and will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the statement said.
The exercise drew participation of various types of aircraft, including early warning aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Vessels like guided-missile frigate Yulin and comprehensive supply ship Qinghaihu also took part in the exercise, with Yulin conducting a humanitarian search and rescue operation for people falling overboard.
Ship-borne small boats were dispatched during the drill to bring the "rescued personnel" onboard and medical services were also given immediately.
"Next, we will base our training on more complex contingencies and hazardous scenarios, adhere to actual-combat standards, and focus on training for capacity building, coordination of battle station and force employment, to maintain constant combat readiness for immediate mission fulfillment and effectively respond to various emergencies as well as risks and challenges," said Navy Major Liang Lu aboard frigate Yulin.
Chinese military holds training exercise around Huangyan Dao in South China Sea
Chinese residents and tourists lined up on the street in Chengdu City of southwest China's Sichuan Province on Saturday to say farewell to a pair of giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, as they set off for the United States, hoping the bears will help bring China and the United States closer.
Before their departure from the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding held a farewell ceremony for Ping Ping, a sturdy yet agile male panda born on March 17, 2020, and Fu Shuang, a chubby, vivacious female born on Oct. 18, 2020. Many residents and tourists gathered to wave goodbye to the pandas.
The chartered FedEx cargo plane carrying Ping Ping and Fu Shuang landed in Atlanta in the southeastern United States on Sunday morning.
The two giant pandas are expected to stay at Zoo Atlanta for 10 years, according to an agreement between Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
"It's definitely a positive boost for China-U.S. relations and cooperation," said Zhao Ruixiang, a tourist.
Some tourists said pandas symbolize peace and friendship in the hearts of the Chinese people.
"Giant pandas hold a very special place in the hearts of us Chinese people. They're a national treasure. And we've seen panda exchanges with many other countries -- like Germany, Japan and South Korea," said Ma Yuqing, a tourist.
"I feel proud, of course. In my opinion, pandas symbolize peace. For Chinese people, pandas are a kind of cultural connection and emotional symbol," said Liu Chao, another tourist.
Giant panda ties between China and the United States go back a long way. In April 1972, two giant pandas -- Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, arrived in the United States following the visit of then U.S. President Richard Nixon to China in February the same year.
More than 8,000 Americans welcomed Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing in the rain. In their first month on public display, they attracted more than one million visitors. Giant pandas have since helped foster friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.
China-U.S. giant panda protection cooperation is one of China's longest-running and most far-reaching international wildlife protection initiatives. In 1994, the CWCA signed an agreement with the San Diego Zoo, officially launching the cooperation program.
Over the past three decades, the two sides have conducted joint research in key areas including panda behavior, nutrition, genetics and disease prevention, achieving significant breakthroughs in breeding techniques. Through the cooperation, pandas in the United States have successfully bred and raised 17 cubs to date -- six in San Diego, four in Washington and seven in Atlanta.
In 2024, China and the United States launched a new round of giant panda protection cooperation, as more pandas successively traveled to the United States.
Chinese residents, tourists say farewell to giant pandas heading to U.S.
