Russia, China to hold anti-terror drills

Moscow, May 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia and China will conduct joint anti-terrorism exercises in Russia's Urals region in the first two weeks of August, a spokesman for the Central Military District said.

"An international anti-terrorism exercise with the units of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at the Chebarkul military training area in the Chelyabinsk region is scheduled for August 1-15," Col. Yaroslav Roshchupkin told RIA Novosti Monday.

The official said the drills will involve 600 personnel from each country.

Russia and China have held a number of joint military exercises since 2005 within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Founded in 2001, the SCO comprises Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The organization consolidates efforts to counter terrorism and radicalization among member countries, and coordinates work in other areas such as politics and trade.

Moscow and Beijing have recently vowed to strengthen military cooperation to ensure an adequate and prompt response to common threats.

As part of the new cooperation efforts, a delegation of Chinese paratroopers will visit Russia May 28-31 to get acquainted with parachute systems and weaponry used by Russian Airborne Troops and to share combat training experience with their Russian counterparts.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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