GUANGZHOU, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- A maritime drill jointly held by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was launched Monday in the city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong province.

The seven-day drill will be divided into three parts, including activities at port and on shore, maritime military exercises and a conclusion.

During the maritime military exercises, participants will perform missions including search, rescue, and disaster relief.

The joint drill is the first of its kind held between China and ASEAN countries and is important in expanding exchange and cooperation between China and ASEAN armed forces, said Yuan Yubai, commander of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, at the opening ceremony of the drill. Enditem