to build defense capacity
Jinan, China (ANTARA News) - Indonesian and Chinese armed forces staged the "Knife Sharp 2012" anti-terror joint military exercise in an effort to strengthen the two countries` military relations and improve the efficiency of their anti-terror forces.

The exercise of Indonesian Army Special Force (Kopasus) and the People`s Liberation Army of China (PLA) in Jinan, Shandong Province, was jointly opened by Kopassus Commander Major General Wisnu Bawa Tenaya and PLA Commander May Gen Qiu Xing here on Tuesday.

The objective of Knife Sharp 2012 was to enhance the two country`s cooperation in their fight against terrorism.

Indonesian Embassy`s Defence Attach for China, Col Lek Surya Margono, said the training was also aimed at improving the coordination between Kopasus and PLA.

Meanwhile, Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) Chief Admiral Agus Suhartono, in a written statement read out by Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, said the military of Indonesia and China were committed to maintaining regional stability and world peace.

"Indonesia and China, including the military of the two countries, are committed to building cooperation and maintaining regional stability and world peace," Agus stated.

The military of the two countries should build a consensus in order to face asymmetric threats such as terrorism and cross-country crimes effectively, he added.

"Military cooperation between the two countries is also needed to build defense capacity in order to maintain peace and security in the region," Agus explained.

"In this regard, Indonesia and China are part of the world community, who have an international responsibility to maintain regional peace, security, and stability," he added.

According to Agus, every country and its military worldwide should cooperate in the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes.
(O001/INE)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012