“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,” it said in a statement.
The drills are an annual occurrence, “aimed at jointly addressing security challenges and maintaining regional peace and stability”, it added.
A separate statement issued by the People’s Liberation Army’s Northern Theater Command said two destroyers, a frigate, a submarine, a supply ship and a rescue vessel will take part.
The statement noted all participating forces had already arrived in Qingdao, and that the manoeuvres will cover reconnaissance, air and missile defence and surface strikes.
Russian state-run RIA news agency said a cruiser, a corvette, a diesel-electric submarine and a rescue vessel from Russia’s Pacific Fleet had arrived in Qingdao to participate in the drills, which would run from July 6 to 13. (Reuters/AFP)
