China's defense ministry announced that it will be hosting the "Aman Youyi 2023" anti-terrorism exercises in Chinese waters later this month with its Southeast Asian neighbors. The drills aim to enhance military mutual trust and cooperation amidst heightened tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

For the first time since the exercises began in 2014, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos will join Malaysia and Thailand in participating in the joint drills. This move is significant as both Vietnam and Malaysia have contested some of China's claims in the South China Sea, where tensions have also increased with the Philippines, another rival claimant.

The "Aman Youyi 2023" drills will focus on land and marine counterterrorism operations and security measures. They will take place in Zhanjiang, a port city in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. The primary objective of these exercises, as stated by the defense ministry, is to strengthen the participating countries' urban and maritime counter-terrorism capabilities, deepen military mutual trust, and maintain regional peace and stability.

China's Southern Theatre Command, which oversees Southeast Asia and the South China Sea, will primarily provide the Chinese forces participating in the exercises. Other contributing parties will include land combat units and naval vessels.

The upcoming drills mark the fifth edition of the routine "Aman Youyi" exercises between China and Southeast Asian countries, with a focus on promoting mutual trust in the South China Sea region and enhancing response capabilities. The inaugural edition took place in Kuala Lumpur in December 2014, initiated by China and Malaysia. It primarily conducted tabletop exercises centered around escort, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance. Subsequent editions in 2015 and 2016 also took place in Malaysia.

In the past, the Philippines, which has been at odds with China over South China Sea rights, participated as an observer in these drills. However, it will not be joining as an observer this time. Recent clashes between Chinese and Philippine coastguard vessels in disputed areas, such as the Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal, have escalated tensions further.

While the Philippines deemed China's actions "illegal" and "dangerous," Beijing claimed that the Philippine moves violated Chinese territorial sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

As the "Aman Youyi 2023" exercises approach, all eyes will be on China and Southeast Asian nations, looking for steps taken to deepen military mutual trust and defuse tensions in the South China Sea.

Note: The article has been generated using the information provided and does not include any additional opinions or analysis.