The annual exercise, the 37th of its kind andco-hosted by Thailand and the US, aims to increase the ability of participatingnations to work together to handle maritime security threats, natural disastersand epidemics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, US Ambassador to ThailandGlyn Davies said the exercise will pave the way for greater internationalcommitment to dealing with global challenges, adding that no country couldaddress the 21st century challenges alone.
The US scaled down its presence and military support forThailand after the May 2014 military coup, including for Cobra Gold. But thisyear's exercise has drawn 6,800 US military personnel, nearly double the numberlast year.
China, which joined the activity for the first time in 2014,sent 44 soldiers to take part in humanitarian assistance and disaster-reliefdrills.
The exercise is scheduled to last till February 23.-VNA