23 August 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Russian and Chinese forces have begun a mock assault on the beaches of northern China, the final stage of the first ever military maneuvers between the former Cold War rivals.
The live-fire exercise -- dubbed "Peace Mission 2005" --- involves about 7,000 Chinese troops and 1,800 Russians. State-of-the-art ships, armor, and warplanes are also taking part.
China's official Xinhua News Agency reports operations began with a simulated naval blockade off the coast of the Shandong Peninsula, on the Yellow Sea southeast of Beijing.
Analyst say a shared concern over the dominant role of the United States has brought China and Russia closer together. U.S. officials say they are watching the exercises closely.
(AP/AFP)
See also:
"Joint Military Exercises With China A Result Of New Strategic Partnership"
"Is China Becoming A Regional Military Threat?"
China's official Xinhua News Agency reports operations began with a simulated naval blockade off the coast of the Shandong Peninsula, on the Yellow Sea southeast of Beijing.
Analyst say a shared concern over the dominant role of the United States has brought China and Russia closer together. U.S. officials say they are watching the exercises closely.
(AP/AFP)
See also:
"Joint Military Exercises With China A Result Of New Strategic Partnership"
"Is China Becoming A Regional Military Threat?"