The conclusion of the joint military exercises between China and Australia

The exercise dubbed "Panda-Kangar 2019'' began on October 10 and ended on Saturday, the agency said, adding that 10 officers and soldiers from both armies of the two countries took part in the exercise, which "focused on sharpening the participants' military skills, willpower and team spirit that they have".

The joint exercise comes amid a slump in Sino-Australian relations, while China has formally arrested Chinese-born Australian writer Yang Hengjun on suspicion of espionage and Australia has expressed concern over China's actions in the disputed South China Sea.

Last year, Australia banned Chinese multinational technology company Huawei from supplying their equipment that supports 5G network, citing national security risks, while Reuters reported in February this year that a major Chinese port had restricted Australian coal imports.

In a statement earlier this month, the Australian Defense Ministry said Bandaru's annual exercise was aimed at "building strong bonds at the people and mutual understanding among junior officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers.