China and Russia begin seven-day naval drill in Sea of Japan
Staff Reporter 2013-07-05 18:08
Chinese and Russian vessels rendezvous prior to the exercise on July 5. (Photo/CNS)
China and Russia began a joint military exercise in the Sea of Japan on July 5, the state-run China News Service reports.
Nineteen ships and two special forces units from the two sides are taking part in the week-long exercise.
"This exercise was not designed with any specific target in mind," said Fang Fenghui, PLA chief of general staff, who said it is a regular annual joint military exercise to maintain peace in the region.
CNS reported that three aircraft and five helicopters for anti-submarine drills are also involved in the exercise. The drill will be divided into three parts — tactical practices, test firing and a military review on the sea.
Fang said that China has sent four destroyers, two frigates, an oiler, three helicopters and a team of special forces to take part, the largest contingent that China has sent to take part in a joint military exercise.
"These drills can only be conducted by military personnel from two countries with a high degree of trust," said Captain Zhang Junshe, a researcher with the PLA Navy's Military Academic Research Institute.
Echoing Fang, Zhang said that the exercise is an annual event and is designed to maintain regional peace.
"The exercise was not designed against any specific target or nation," Zhang said. "As a result, any complaint or critics from a third party would be very inappropriate at this moment."
