BEIJING. July 19 (Interfax) - Several ships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy approached Russian Navy ships on Wednesday afternoon to take part in joint drills, the Associated Press reported referring to the Chinese Defense Ministry's statement.
The Chinese unit taking part in the exercise includes the 052D guided missile destroyers Qiqihar and Guiyang, the 054 guided missile frigates Zhaozhuang and Rizhao, and the Taihu supply ship. The Chinese vessels are carrying four helicopters.
According to Chinese state media outlets, a total of over ten ships and 30 planes have been engaged in the joint drills, which focus on ship-to-ship communications, maneuvering in formation, and maritime search and rescue efforts.
As reported on Sunday, a unit of five Chinese Navy ships left the Qingdao naval base for the Sea of Japan to take part in the North Unity 2023 joint drills with the Russian Navy. Organized by China, the exercise, which will also involve military planes, is aimed at bolstering security of strategic maritime routes, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the drills were aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation between the two armies, as well as their capability of jointly maintaining regional peace and stability and responding to security challenges.