Joint military drills between China and Russia began on Monday in Qingtongxia in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. This is the fourth consecutive year that both sides have held drills of this kind. The drills are meant to demonstrate the two sides' resolve and capability, as well as their ability to fight terrorist forces and jointly safeguard regional peace and security. Roughly 10,000 Chinese and Russian troops are taking part in the event, which will continue until August 13.