Twenty-two naval ships to take part in second phase of large-scale Russia-China exercise

VLADIVOSTOK, August 20. /TASS/. Twenty-two combat ships of Russia and China will take part in the second phase of a large-scale naval exercise Joint Sea 2015 off the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, a deputy commander of the Russian Navy, Vice-Admiral Alexander Fedotenkov, said on Thursday. "This year the scope of the exercise is unprecedented," Fedotenov noted, saying that 20 aircraft, more than 500 amphibious soldiers and 40 pieces of armored vehicles would also take part. "After this exercise, we will get to a new level of operational coordination, compatibility of headquarters and exchange of experience," the deputy commander said. Seven Chinese naval ships led by Shenyang destroyer arrived on Thursday at Vladivostok, where the Chinese and Russian navies are gearing up for the second phase of a joint naval exercise that will run through August 27. The naval ships will simulate action in antisubmarine and anti-aircraft warfare. "This is the eighth visit of Chinese naval ships to Vladivostok in contemporary history of relations between Russia and China," Roman Martov, spokesman for the Eastern Military District, said. Martov said the first day in Vladivostok would be devoted to protocol visits to the city administration and the headquarters of the Pacific Feet. August 21 will see a ceremony launching the exercises, and on August 24 the ships will take to the sea. A parade of the naval ships in Peter the Great Gulf will be held after the exercise, on August 28. The first phase of the exercise in the Mediterranean involved ten Russian and Chinese ships, including the guided missile cruiser The Moskva. The purpose was to practice joint operations to maintain the safety of shipping in the world ocean and enhance practical interaction between the two countries. The first Joint Sea naval exercise was held in April 2012. In July 2013, ships, planes, helicopters and amphibious soldiers of the two countries took part in a new Joint Sea exercise. Last year’s exercise was held off the Chinese coast. Read more