'Joint Sea 2019': China, Russia start joint naval exercise

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A joint military exercise by the Chinese and Russian navies is underway off the coast of Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong Province. The week-long drills kick off with both sides formally greeting each other. CGTN reporter Zheng Yibing has more.

A Russian navy fleet arrives in Qingdao for "Joint Sea 2019". It's the second time that both navies have met at this port, since the annual drill was launched here in 2012. And the Chinese PLA Navy sends a warm welcome.

QIU YANPENG DEPUTY COMMANDER, PLA NAVY "We will have closer collaboration and further increase the effectiveness of addressing all kinds of security threats."

Both navies dispatched two submarines, 13 surface vessels, multiple aircraft and some 80 marines.

The theme of this year's exercise is "joint maritime defensive operations".

ZHENG YIBING QINGDAO, SHANDONG PROVINCE "The 'Joint Sea 2019' exercise will be conducted in three phases, namely preparation, execution and summary."

At least ten drills will be held through May 4th.

GAO XIUCHENG SENIOR PLA NAVY OFFICIAL "The exercise will focus on joint submarine rescue, air defense, and anti-submarine operations."

Both navies exchanged visits to each other's vessels in an attempt to deepen the understanding between them.

ALEXANDER AVERIANOV CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER, RUSSIAN CRUISER VARYAG "This is my second trip to Qingdao, and I am so happy to be back."

They will soon set out to do exercises by sea and airspace near Qingdao, hoping to achieve their goals.

ZHENG YIBING QINGDAO, SHANDONG PROVINCE "Both navies said that the exercise does not target any third party, and only aims to enhance their capabilities of commonly addressing maritime security threats. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, Qingdao, Shandong Province."