China and Russia have been carrying out a joint maritime drill which got underway in the South China Sea on Monday. The week-long exercise is code-named 'The Joint Sea-2016', and Tuesday saw the preparation phase begin for the battle simulations to come later in the week.
8:30 in the morning and training begins. Sprinting, climbing, and barrier crossing. It's just a small part of what the soldiers will likely face when real combat operations start in two days and one of the key operations will be island landing.
"You need to be in a good shape to do all these physical exercises. I think it's very good to hold joint drills like this. It improves both countries' relationship," Russian participant said.
"In terms of island landing, both sides have formed a tacit understanding on organisation. The troops have already formed some methods for training," A Chinese participant said.
In addition to on-site training, battle planning and communications, as well as a series of competitions, are also being held during the two-day preparation phase.
Real combat operations will then take place in the eastern waters of Zhanjiang city in southern China's Guangdong Province, where participants will conduct operations such as joint air defense, anti-submarine, and search and rescue.
Both countries has sent the cream of their naval forces, with 8 ships and 2 submarines from China and 5 ships from Russia participating.
"The Russian Navy has brought two large anti-submarine vessels. One of our focuses is anti-submarine operations. These operations, as well as landing operations, are all very sensitive, as both sides need to share information such as radar and sonar data with each other during the drill," Zhang Junshe, vice president of Naval Research Institute, said.
This is the sixth drill of its kind that China and Russia have participated in in the last five years, and the first time it has taken place in the South China Sea.
This year, officials say real combat, digitization as well as standardization will be the highlights.
"This joint drill highlights modes of real combat, as well as digitalized and standardized use of forces. The drill features the highest-ever level of real combat, making it worth watching. And from experience gathered in the last five years, we have formed a standardized process for exercises, which makes the operations more efficient and practical," Chinese Navy spokesperson Liang Yang said.
The drill is aimed at enhancing the abilities of both sides to counter common security threats. And with a greater emphasis this year on real combat operations, the drills could prove to be a big hit for both sides.
