A Chinese naval task force arrived in Vladivostok on Friday to join Russia for the largest-ever naval drill in the region.
Chief naval directors from both nations stressed that the drill was not “targeting any third party” but was designed to better safeguard the two countries’ interests and tackle common challenges.
Faced with “similar maritime threats”, the two sides aimed to strengthen maritime security, said Ding Yiping, deputy commander of the navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
The drills, titled “Joint Sea 2013″, will last until July 12
“We’ve repeated several times that the drills are not targeted at any third party, and some people’s speculation about the exercises only shows their lack of confidence,” said Ding, China’s chief director in the exercise, at a welcoming ceremony held by Russia’s Pacific Fleet at the Golden Horn Bay.
Calling the arrival of the Chinese fleet “historic”, Deputy Chief of the Russian Navy Main Staff Leonid Sukhanov said the naval drill will further the two nations’ ties.
Read the full story at China Defense MashUp