A joint maritime exercise of the Chinese and Pakistani militaries began at a Shanghai military port on Sunday, the Chinese navy announced in a statement, noting that the drill will "further strengthen both sides' ability to jointly handle security threats at sea".

The exercise－"Sea Guardians 2", which will be conducted from Sunday to Wednesday in the waters and airspace near Shanghai－is jointly organized by the People's Liberation Army and the Pakistan navies. Both sides will participate in a series of joint efforts including maritime strikes, tactical maneuvers, anti-submarine operations, support for damaged vessels, and replenishment.

The Chinese personnel participating in the exercise are mainly from the navy in the Eastern Theater Command. Vehicles involved include the guided-missile frigates Xiangtan and Shuozhou; a comprehensive supply ship, Qiandaohu; a submarine; an early warning aircraft; two fighter jets; and a helicopter.

Participating in the exercise on the Pakistani side is the PNS Taimur, a Type 054A/P frigate delivered to the Pakistan Navy from a shipyard in Shanghai last month.

The exercise is a normal arrangement between both sides in accordance with an annual plan and doesn't target any third party, said the PLA Navy, stressing that it aimed to enhance bilateral defensive cooperation, deepen the exchange of professional skills and consolidate the traditional friendship between the two militaries.

According to the PLA Navy, the exercise is the second of the China-Pakistan maritime exercise series "Sea Guardians", the first of which was conducted in the northern Arabian Sea in early 2020.