China, Russia complete 2nd phase

Source: CCTV.com | 08-23-2005 09:22

The second phase of joint military exercises between China and Russia has ended in Qingdao, of East China's Shandong province. Military vessels, fighter jets and amphibious tanks from the two countries assembled in Qingdao's coastal area for the second-phase of their joint combat drills.

The Chinese and Russian troops had already had their first joint practice on the three courses in the Shandong peninsula and its nearby seawaters on Aug. 14, 15 and 16, sources said.

The three courses, or the actual combat practice, cover offshore blockade, amphibious landing and forcible separation.

The whole war game is scheduled to go through three phases, including strategic consultation and battle planning, transportation and deployment of troops, and combat practice. The first phase was held in Russia's coastal city of Vladivostok.

The Russian troops involved include officers and soldiers from paratroops, marine corps, air forces and navy. They arrived in theShandong peninsula and the nearby offshore seawaters since Aug. 9.

Meanwhile, Russia's Il-76 transport plane, Il-78 refueling plane, A-50 early warning plane, Tu-95 MS and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, Su-24M2 bomber, and Su-27SM fighter jet will join the combat practice, along with anti-sub vessel, destroyer, landing craft, rescue towboat, logistic support vessel, and parachuter combat car.

The Chinese troops, including ground forces, navy fleets, marine forces, air forces and paratroops, have already assembled in Shandong Peninsula and conducted one-side practice since mid-July.

The 8-day China-Russia joint military exercise involves nearly 10,000 troops from the two countries.

The joint drill aimed to improve the capabilities of the Chinese and Russian armies in combating new threats, dealing with crises and organizing coordinated actions in the backdrop of the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Editor:Liu Fengming