China, Russia to Hold Joint Naval Drills in Mediterranean

China and Russia are to hold their first-ever naval drills in the Mediterranean sea in May, international media sources report citing the Defense Ministry in Beijing.

Nine ships will take part in the exercises, with China deploying its vessels that are currently on anti-piracy missions off Somalia, Reuters quotes a spokesman for the ministry as saying.

In his words, the aim is to increase cooperation and the two navies' "ability to jointly deal with maritime security threats".

Spokesman Geng Yansheng adds that the scheduled drills "have nothing to do with the regional situation".

They will take place in mid-May, after the Victory Day parade in Moscow which will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!