2016年CRI China-Russia joint navy drill demonstrates high mutual trust: expert

（单词翻译）

The "Joint¹ Sea 2016" drill between the two countries officially kicked off Monday in Guangdong.

The 8-day exercise in the South China Sea features naval² surface ships, submarines, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, marines and amphibious armored equipment.

Both China and Russia have their latest technology on display.

Military observers are suggesting the drills show the shared security concerns both China and Russia have, but also say the drills go a long way toward maintaining regional peace and stability.

Zhang Junshe with the Institute of Chinese Naval Sciences suggests these drills likely wouldn't happen if the Chinese and Russian sides didn't trust one-another.

"Drills and exercises at this level expose what limits individual navies from any country might have. So the drills and exercises like these can only take place between countries that have high mutual⁴ trust. The ongoing⁵ joint drill is demonstrating this level of trust between China and Russia."

While often viewed as a show of strength, Zhang Junshe says the drills in the South China Sea shouldn't be viewed as a provocation⁶.

"China and Russia are aiming at enhancing their joint marine³ defense⁷ capabilities⁸ through this drill. They are also trying to fine-tune their joint command structure, and have openly talked about their defensive⁹ nature. This drill isn't meant to scare any other country, and shouldn't be viewed in that respect."

The Chinese and Russian navies have been taking part in annual joint drills for the past few years.

This is the first time the two sides have conducted drills in the South China Sea.

"Joint Sea 2016" is scheduled to run until next Monday.

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.