China, Russia set for second round of naval drills

Chinese and Russian Navy ships are scheduled to start the second round of bilateral drills as part of the “Naval Interaction 2017” set of engagements between the two countries.

Taking place near Russian Pacific Fleet base in Vladivostok, the exercises are planned to last from September 18 to 26.

According to Vladimir Matveev, spokesman for the ministry’s Eastern Military District, the exercise will consist of a shore phase in Vladivostok and an at-sea phase which will unfold in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.

Chinese ships taking part in the second phase of Naval Interaction 2017 will be different from the ones that participated in the first portion in July this year.

This time, the Chinese task group will be made up of Type 051C destroyer Shijiazhuang, Type 054A frigate Daqing and Type 926 submarine rescue ship Changdao.

It was not specified which Russian Navy ships will be taking part in the drill. Exercises conducted in July involved over 20 ships overall.