China and Russia have begun their largest ever joint naval exercise in the Sea of Japan. Operation "Joint Sea-2013" will run through to July 12th.

The Chinese Navy has dispatched four guided missile destroyers, two guided missile frigates, a supply ship, and three ship-borne helicopters. It's the Chinese navy's single biggest deployment of military force in any joint foreign exercise. China's national defense ministry says the drills are not targeted at any third party, and that the aim is to deepen cooperation between the two militaries.

Nearly 20 warships in total, and more than 10 aircraft and helicopters are taking part in the manoeuvres. The two navies will practice recapturing ships seized by pirates, as well as search-and-rescue operations. They'll also be a number of air defense, anti-submarine and anti-ship exercises. Russia and China have regularly held joint naval drills since 2005, under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

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