Chinese, Russian navies hold joint exercises in Okhotsk Sea for first time

Source:Global Times Published: 2017/9/24 17:13:40

Chinese and Russian ships are now conducting the second phase of joint naval exercises as part of the China-Russia “Joint Sea-2017” exercises.

Starting Friday, the maritime phase takes place in the waters of the Japanese Sea and the southern part of the Okhotsk Sea and is scheduled to be finished on September 26, according to the website of Ministry of National Defense of China.

It’s the first time that both sides have extended the drills to the Okhotsk Sea. Russian and Chinese naval forces will also for the first time practice joint anti-submarine excises.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese fleet includes missile destroyer Shijiazhuang, missile frigate Daqing, comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu, submarine rescue ship Changdao, a deep submersible rescue vehicle, two ship-borne helicopters and marines. The Russian fleet consists of a large anti-submarine ship, a frigate, a rescue ship, a deep submersible rescue vehicle, two ship-borne helicopters and marines.

Vessels from China and Russia will make up two mixed maritime tactical groups according to different exercise objectives. Sailors will also drive deep submergence rescue vehicles to carry out deep submergence rescue operations.

The first stage of “Joint Sea-2017” was held in the Baltic Sea from July 22 to 27. After holding the annual joint sea drills since 2012, Wang Xiaogang, a Chinese naval officer, told the China Military Online that this year “the interoperability between the two navies have reached a higher level in terms of understanding of missions, formulation of operational plans and use of forces.”

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