China and Russia are launching a joint naval exercise– their first in the Mediterranean Sea. Nine warships are taking part. It’s the farthest from home that the Chinese Navy has conducted military exercises. CCTV’s Xing Zheming filed this report.

Highlights:

• The 10-day drill which lasts until May 21st is taking place in the Mediterranean Sea, and it will take some days for the vessels to get to the site of the exercise.
• The drills will focus on collaborative defense at sea, escorting exercises and resupplying. Anti-piracy exercises are also on the agenda.
• China’s defense ministry says aim of the drill is to deepen cooperation between the two countries, and to increase their navies’ ability to deal with maritime security threats.

Anton Fedyashin on China-Russia relations

For more on China-Russia ties CCTV spoke to Anton Fedyashin. He’s an expert in Russian studies and the Executive Director of the Initiative for Russian Culture at American University in Washington.

Anton Fedyashin on China-Russia relations

For more on China-Russia ties CCTV spoke to Anton Fedyashin. He's an expert in Russian studies and the Executive Director of the Initiative for Russian Culture at American University in Washington.

James Jatras on China- Russia relations
For more on China-Russia ties, CCTV’s Elaine Reyes spoke to James Jatras. He’s an expert in international relations and the Deputy Director at the American Institute in Ukraine.