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China-Russia drills entering third stage
By Sun Shangwu (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-08-22 05:58
QINGDAO: More than 7,000 Chinese troops and 1,800 Russians with military vessels, fighter jets and amphibious tanks will start a three-day live ammunition combat practice tomorrow, according to a senior officer of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
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| Amphibious tanks taking part in the Sino-Russia joint military exercise are seen in waters near eastern China's Shandong peninsula August 20, 2005. [newsphoto] |
The two armies will focus on three scenarios: an offshore blockade with the involvement of both missile-guided destroyers and jet fighters, an amphibious landing conducted by air forces, marine corps and paratroops, and a forced evacuation, with the participation of Russia's strategic bombers Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 and advanced Chinese fighter planes.
On August 14-16, the troops from China and Russia held their first joint practice on these three scenarios on Shandong Peninsula and its surrounding waters.
The 8-day joint war game, named "Peace Mission 2005," officially commenced on August 18 and goes through three stages, said Major General Zhang Qinsheng, the Chinese chief of staff of the headquarters of the joint military exercise.
The first stage of the drill, which focused on strategic consultation and decision-making, was held in the Russian far eastern city of Vladivostok. The second phase of the drill started on Saturday in Qingdao, where the headquarters of the exercise is located.
According to Zhang, commanders of the two troops adjusted their decisions and organized co-ordinated actions in the second phase, which also included the transportation and deployment of troops.
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