The
Russian Navy and the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese
Navy) will hold joint naval drills in the Mediterranean Sea in the middle
of May in line with a plan of military exchanges, Chinese Defense Ministry
spokesman Geng Yansheng said Thursday. A total of nine warships from
the two countries are to participate in what will be a first in that
part of the world for China.
"The aim is to deepen both countries' friendly and practical
cooperation, and increase our navies' ability to jointly deal with maritime
security threats," Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Geng
Yansheng said on Thursday in a monthly news briefing. |
"For
participation in the drills, both sides will overall send nine surface
vessels, including from the Chinese side the Linyi, Weifang and Weishanhu
vessels will take part, which are currently fulfilling tasks as part
of the 19th convoy in the area of the Gulf of Aden and Somali coast,"
Geng said.
"Defensive actions at sea, replenishment of supplies at sea,
escorting vessels, joint actions to ensure sea transportation security
and practical use of armaments" will be practiced during
the drills.
"It should be explained that these joint exercises are not
aimed against a third party and are not connected with the situation
in the region," Geng said.
In November 2014, Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergey Shoigu
said after talks with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Chang Wanquan
that Russia and China will hold joint naval drills in the Pacific
Ocean and Mediterranean Sea in 2015.
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