China and Russia to launch large-scale naval drills in Mediterranean Sea in May

"The aim is to deepen both countries' friendly and practical cooperation, and increase our navies' ability to jointly deal with maritime security threats. These exercises are not aimed at any third party and have nothing to do with the regional situation," Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said. For the first time in history, China and Russia are launching large-scale naval drills in the Mediterranean Sea in the middle of May, Pravda.Ru reports.

The Chinese and Russian Navies have exercised together since 2012 in waters off Russia's eastern seaboard. A total of nine warships from the two countries are to participate, Beijing officials said.

The Mediterranean Sea Cooperation-2015 drill would focus on navigation safety, at-sea replenishment, escort missions and live fire exercises, Geng said.

Russia and China have been strengthening defense cooperation as both countries oppose USA's current stand in world politics, Pravda.Ru says.