Russia-China naval exercises begin in Sea of Japan Monday

Russia-China large-scale naval exercises begin on Monday in the Peter the Great Bay in the Sea of Japan (East Sea). The exercises codenamed Maritime Interaction-2013 will involve about 20 ships and craft of various classes, and more than 10 aircraft and helicopters. The Chinese naval squadron whic has arrived here to take part in the exercises includes destroyers Shenya, Shijiazhuang, Wuhan, and Langzhou, frigates Yantai and Yancheng, as well as the comprehensive supply vessel Hongzhu. The other ships will be provided by Russia's Pacific Fleet (PF), the PF press service reports. According to the scenario of the exercises, the navy men of the two countries will free a ship seized by sea pirates and carry out a search-and-rescue operation to render assistance to a stricken ship. The sides will also drill the escorting of ships, replenishment of stocks at sea, and joint arrangements for anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and anti-ship defence. The navy men will also practice firing at surface and air targets. The exercises will end with a naval review and the summing up of results. The naval ships of Russia and China will arrive at the area of the exercises on Monday afternoon. The active phase of the exercises will continue till July 10. The first exercises of such a format were held in the Yellow Sea in April last year. Seven ships and support craft of the PF took part in the Maritime Interacton - 2012 exercises.