BANGKOK - The Chinese military has sent a 25-member troop to join an ASEAN humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief exercise, which kicked off Monday in eastern Thailand's Chachoengsao province.

The exercise, jointly hosted by Thai and Malaysian militaries, will last till Friday. It is designed to enhance the capacity for joint humanitarian assistance in the ASEAN region.

A total of 13 countries including China, the United States, Japan, France, Canada and some ASEAN members will participate in the exercise.

Since its arrival in Thailand last Wednesday, the Chinese troop has taken part in the joint training, display of equipment and other activities.