Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, May 11

VIENTIANE -- China and Laos launched a joint military exercise on Thursday at the Kommadam Academy of the Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF) in Laos, aimed at enhancing capabilities of the two militaries to combat terrorism.

Major-General Yang Wenlin, deputy commander of the 75th Group Army of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, said the China-Laos Friendship Shield-2023 joint exercise serves as a platform for exchanging experiences between the two militaries, as well as a concrete measure to deepen friendship and boost cooperation between the two countries. (Laos-China-Joint Military Exercise)