Naval Forces of Russia and China to hold joint drills in Mediterranean Sea in May

: Posted On Saturday, 02 May 2015 16:46

Naval Forces News - China, Russia

Naval Forces of Russia and China to hold joint drills in Mediterranean Sea in May

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.

Type 052 Luhu-class Destroyer Harbin (112) left, and Russia-built Sovremenny-class improved Project 956EM Destroyer Ningbo (139) right, take part in a week-long China-Russia "Joint Sea-2014" navy exercise at the East China Sea off Shanghai, China

"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.