China, Russia hold first naval exercise

(Beijing) – China and Russia launched their first joint naval exercises amid tensions between China and its Asian neighbours over regional territorial claims. The six days of drills are taking place in the Yellow Sea off China’s east coast.
The exercises come as China boosts military spending and asserts claims over disputed territory. The exercises will focus on joint air defence, anti-submarine tactics and search and rescue. They will also include simulated rescue of hijacked vessels and anti-terrorism drills.