Sino-Russian exercise a learning experience for both sides

Chinese and Russian naval officers can better hone their capabilities in joint operations thanks to a host of improvements, according to commanders from both nations overseeing a large ongoing exercise in the East China Sea.

"Compared with the previous two joint exercises, this year's drill features a more realistic combat environment, higher integration in communication and deeper collaboration between Chinese and Russian ships," said Rear Admiral Duan Zhaoxian, deputy chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army navy.

"Captains and officers from both sides are not being informed about when they would be attacked by hostile aircraft, surface vessels or submarines," he added. "In the past, they could have some clues from the direction headquarters, but now they must depend on themselves."