Russia and China to hold joint exercise in the Baltic Sea

The navies of Russia and China will hold a joint exercise in the Baltic Sea. According to Russian expert Vladimir Terekhov, the drills will send a clear political signal to the West.

On July 21-28, the Russian and Chinese navies will hold the first stage of the Joint Sea 2017 exercise in the Baltic Sea.

The drills will involve nearly ten ships of different classes, over ten aircraft and helicopters of both the Russian and Chinese naval forces.

"On July 21, the ships of the naval forces of the Chinese People's Liberation Army will arrive to Baltiysk at a welcoming ceremony and several official events involving the Russian and Chinese Navy command. The solemn opening ceremony will also be held this day," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The main goal of the exercise is to enhance coordination between the two navies in countering maritime...