Chinese and Russian navy ships to conduct first joint drills in Mediterranean

Following a meeting of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and China's Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Fan Changlong, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said that Russia and China will practice joint participation in the peacekeeping operations 'Sea Cooperation – 2015' in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea on May 11-21.

According to Antonov, the aim is to deepen both countries’ practical cooperation and increase the navies’ abilities to jointly deal with maritime security threats.

"The exercises are not aimed at any third party and have nothing to do with the regional situation," the Deputy Defense Minister said.