China Announces Joint Military Exercises with Russia

The Chinese and Russian navies will conduct joint exercises this month in the waters and airspace near the Chinese city of Qingdao, China's Ministry of Defense said on Sunday.

"Following the exercises, some of the forces from both sides will proceed to relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean to carry out joint maritime patrols", the statement said.

The exercises are held annually and are aimed at "jointly addressing security challenges and maintaining regional peace and stability", the Chinese government said.

(Reuters, su)