Russian, Chinese warships begin joint exercises

Beijing, April 24 (IANS) Chinese and Russian warships Tuesday left a naval base in the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao to begin a joint exercise in the Yellow Sea.

The Chinese navy's missile destroyer DDG-112 Harbin and other warships from both countries will conduct a series of drills over the next two days, Xinhua reported.

Warships from the two navies will build up a maritime defence system and conduct joint air defence, anti-submarine, and search and rescue operations.

The warships will firing live ammunition at air, surface and underwater targets.

Vice Admiral Ding Yiping, general director for the joint exercise from the Chinese side, said the drill will test the combat capabilities of both navies and improve their coordination and cooperation.

The Russian warships include the flagship of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet, the Slava class guided missile cruiser Varyag.