China & Russia's 1st day of actual maneuvers in joint drill

Chinese navy vessels leave for joint naval drills from a port in Vladivostok, Russia, July 8, 2013. China and Russia started on Monday the joint naval drills off the coast of Russia's Far East. [Xinhua]

Chinese and Russian warships for the "Joint Sea-2013" drill practiced troop deployment and anchorage defense on Monday.

Naval vessels participating in the drill started departing the dock at 3 p.m. local time (0400 GMT) and sailed to designated sea areas. By 9 p.m. (1000 GMT), troop deployment was completed.

The two sides then organized anchorage defense respectively. Chinese naval troops practiced the use of diver detection sonar and the setting-up of watch posts, said Yang Junfei, deputy commander of the North China Sea Fleet.

In the following days, the two sides will carry out a variety of exercises including joint air defense, maritime supply, joint escort and the rescue of hijacked vessels. Staged on Wednesday would be joint maritime search and rescue, the use of actual weaponry on the sea and a maritime parade.

Chinese naval ships arrived in Russia's Far East port of Vladivostok on Friday for the joint naval drill.

Before the start of actual maneuvers, the two sides have conducted careful and detailed preparations and had an open-day event.

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.

Participating forces also include three fixed-wing aircraft, five ship-borne helicopters and two special operations detachments.