China and Russia pave way for naval exercise

China and Russia held an opening ceremony on Monday for a joint naval exercise in the Mediterranean code-named "Joint Sea 2015-I".

The exercise is the farthest one that the Chinese navy has taken part in outside home waters and is the latest sign of close cooperation between the neighbors.

Nine ships from both countries are taking part, including China's Linyi and Weifang missile frigates and the supply ship Weishanhu, which has just concluded anti-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia.