By Qian Xiaohu and Ren Xu
Chinese and Russian naval vessels sail in formation during the Northern/Interaction-2023 exercise in the Sea of Japan on July 20, 2023. (Photo by Zhang Hailong)
DESTROYER QIQIHAR, July 21 -- The opening ceremony of China-Russia Northern/Interaction-2023 exercise was held in the waters of the Sea of Japan on July 20.
A brief opening ceremony was held by China and Russia's joint command on the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Qiqihar.
After that, the naval and aviation forces of both sides began to maneuver toward the designated sea area.
For the following four days, the participating troops of both sides will conduct joint training on subjects including maritime and air escort, deterrence and expelling, anchorage ground defense.
According to the opening address by the commander of the exercise, this is a practical measure to fully implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, which reflects the high-level strategic mutual trust and solid long-lasting friendship between the two countries, and an overall assessment of the joint combat capabilities of the two countries' air and naval troops in high seas.
The exercise aims to strengthen both sides' capabilities of jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability and responding to various security challenges.