China, Russia practise troop deployment in joint naval drill

Chinese and Russian warships Monday practised troop deployment and anchorage defence at Peter the Great Bay as part of a joint naval drill, officials said.

Naval vessels participating in the "Joint Sea-2013" drill started departing the dock at 3 p.m. and sailed to designated sea areas. By 9 p.m., troop deployment was completed, Xinhua reported.

The two sides then organised anchorage defence. Chinese naval troops practised the use of diver detection sonar and setting up of watch posts, said Yang Junfei, deputy commander of the North China Sea Fleet.

In the next few days, the two sides will carry out a variety of exercises including joint air defence, maritime supply, joint escort and the rescue of hijacked vessels.

On Wednesday, they would conduct maritime search and rescue, and use actual weaponry on the sea. There will also be a maritime parade.

Chinese naval ships arrived in Russia's far eastern port of Vladivostok Friday for the joint naval drill.

Seven vessels from China's North Sea Fleet and South Sea Fleet and 12 vessels from Russia's Pacific Fleet are taking part in the week-long exercises.