China, Russia navies to hold drill in South China Sea

Missile frigate Yuncheng launches an anti-ship missile during a military exercise in the water area near South China's Hainan Island and Xisha islands, July 8, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - The navies of China and Russia will hold a joint drill in South China Sea in September, spokesperson Yang Yujun of China's Defense Ministry said Thursday.

The drill, codenamed Joint Sea-2016, is a product of the consensus reached by the two sides, said Yang.

Held on both land and sea, the drill is a routine one between China and Russia, and does not target any third party, according to Yang.

The drill will consolidate and develop the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, deepen pragmatic and friendly cooperation between the two militaries, and enhance the capabilities of the two navies to jointly deal with maritime security threats, Yang said.