MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The first phase would involve nearly ten ships of different classes, over ten aircraft and helicopters of both Russian and Chinese navy, the statement specified.
"On July 21 the ships of the naval forces of the Chinese People's Liberation Army will arrive to Baltiysk at a welcoming ceremony and several official events involving the Russian and Chinese Navy command. The solemn opening ceremony will also be held this day," the statement said.
The drills are aimed at practicing interaction between the Russian and Chinese fleets in countering naval threats, coherence of actions of the crew and enhancing cooperation between the Russian and Chinese naval troops, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The active phase of the joint military exercises will take place on July 24-27 in the Baltic Sea.
