On Dec. 20, PLA Daily published an article summarizing the ten major highlights of China’s military diplomacy in 2018.

No. 1 Defense cooperation among SCO countries

In April, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers’ meeting was held in Beijing, to enhance defense cooperation. It’s the first of its kind since the SCO grew in size and during the event, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with defense ministers from associated countries.

In late August, the "Peace Mission 2018" anti-terror drill involving all SCO member states was carried out in Russia, with some 3,000 people participating.

No. 2 Beijing Xiangshan Forum

The 8th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, held between Oct. 24-26 in Beijing, brought together over 500 delegates from more than 70 countries and international organizations to consider greater security cooperation.

It’s the first to include Beijing as a part of the forum name.

No. 3 First-time participation in Russian military drill

For the first time, Chinese soldiers attended the military exercise codenamed Vostok-2018, or East-2018, in Russia. More than 3,200 soldiers, 900 hard units and 30 aircraft from China were involved, standing as the largest number of Chinese participants to take part in an overseas drill.

No. 4 China-US pragmatic cooperation

In the face of complicated bilateral relations, China and the United States launched a week-long humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, starting from Nov. 12. Both sides followed the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthening dialogues and pragmatic cooperation at all levels, to better stabilize the relationship between the two countries.

No. 5 China-ASEAN cooperation in defense and security

China, Malaysia and Thailand held their first joint military exercise this year in Malaysia, and navies from China and 10 ASEAN countries began their first joint military exercise in Southern China. All parties effectively implemented the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

No. 6 PLA medical team’s treatment services in Laos

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Peace Train medical team traveled to Laos during a joint military training activity, treating patients at a local military hospital.

No. 7 Good grade at Int’l Army Games 2018

The Chinese army excelled during the games which lasted two weeks, starting from July 28, winning four first prizes, 15 second prizes and two third prizes in total. Four contests were held in China, including the Seaborne assault contest, which was first organized by the Chinese side.

No. 8 China-Africa defense and security cooperation

China hosted the first-ever China-Africa forum on defense and security from June 26 to July 10, making a good start for both countries’ cooperation in defense and security, and strengthening the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership.

No. 9 “Horn of Peace” Military Band Festival

The 5th "Horn of Peace" Military Band Festival of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) kicked off in Beijing in April, attracting military bands from eight countries including India and Pakistan.

No. 10 China’s naval escort mission spans a decade

China has now been engaged in naval escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia for ten years, convoying 6,600 vessels over the past decade, securing the safety of both ships and navy fleets.