Russia, China to conduct joint naval drills in late April-early May

SANAA, March 27 (YPA) – The Russian Navy and the Chinese Navy will hold joint Naval Interaction-2019 exercises in late April-early May, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday in a statement.

“The Russian Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy will hold annual bilateral Naval Interaction exercises in late April-early May”, the statement reads.

A delegation from the Chinese navy, headed by Admiral Yan Zhenming, arrived in St. Petersburg on Tuesday to attend a conference with the participation of a delegation of officers of the Supreme Command of the Russian Navy, headed by Admiral Alexander Shovanov.

Maritime representatives of the two countries have begun consultations on the preparation of training workshops since March 25.

During the drills, the Russian and Chinese sailors will practice joint maneuvering, organization of communication, missile and artillery firing at sea and air targets, as well as search and rescue support.

In addition to warships, naval and submarine-powered submarines from both countries will participate in the exercise.

“It is planned to share the Russian Pacific Fleet in these maneuvers, led by the Varyag missile cruiser,” the statement said.