China deploys largest-ever single military force

China and Russia have begun their largest ever joint naval exercise in the Sea of Japan. It’s the Chinese navy’s single biggest deployment of military force in any joint foreign exercise.

The Chinese Navy has dispatched four guided missile destroyers, two guided missile frigates, a supply ship, and three ship-borne helicopters. There are nineteen warships and more than 10 aircraft and helicopters taking part in the maneuvers. China’s national defense ministry says the drills are not targeted at any third party, and the aim is to deepen cooperation between the two militaries.

The two navies will practice recapturing ships seized by pirates and search-and-rescue operations. There will also be a number of air defense, anti-submarine and anti-ship exercises. Operation "Joint Sea-2013" will run through to July 12th. Russia and China have regularly held joint naval drills since 2005, under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Destroyer Shenyang (R) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is anchored in Vladivostok, Russia, July 5, 2013. Chinese fleet consisting of seven naval vessels arrived in Vladivostok on Friday to participate in Sino-Russian joint naval drills scheduled for July 5 to 12 at the sea area and airspace of the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. (Xinhua/Wang Jingguo)

Destroyer Shenyang (R) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is
anchored in Vladivostok, Russia, July 5, 2013. Chinese fleet consisting of
seven naval vessels arrived in Vladivostok on Friday to participate in
Sino-Russian joint naval drills scheduled for July 5 to 12 at the sea area
and airspace of the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. (Xinhua/Wang Jingguo)

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