Four Russian warships have docked at a Chinese naval base near
Qingdao, a port in the south of the country. They are taking a break
from guarding vessels in pirate-infested waters near Somalia for joint
military drills. The Russian-Chinese maneuvers dubbed Naval Cooperation-2012 began in
the Yellow Sea this Sunday. The exercises are designed to build on
what both forces have been doing in the past couple of years in the
Gulf of Aden to counter piracy.
Both Chinese and Russian
warships have escorted civilian convoys off the coast of Somalia. One
of the Russian destroyers, Marshal Shaposhnikov, was instrumental in
saving the oil-tanker Moscow University a year ago, when it was
captured by pirates who held 23 Russian sailors hostage. Russian
destroyers are used to guarding convoys of between five and 14 merchant
ships as they travel in the dangerous waters of the Gulf of Aden. The
seamen will now learn to make it a joint effort with their Chinese
colleagues.
Photos taken onboard the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer
Three
Russian destroyers – Marshal Shaposhnikov, Admiral Vinogradov and
Admiral Tributs – are taking part in the drills, along with the missile
cruiser Varyag and several support ships. They will be joined by 16
Chinese surface ships. At the port of Qingdao they are
accompanied by the flagship of China's Northern Fleet – the Luhu-class
guided missile destroyer Harbin.
Photos taken onboard the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer
Like
other Chinese ships in the harbor it looks brand new. The Russian crews
were invited on board on Sunday to inspect the vessel for themselves.
Chinese sailors visited the destroyer Admiral Vinogradov. The sailors
tried immediately to make friends, exchanging “hellos” and “how are
yous” in the language of their future mission mates. Over the next
few days, the groundwork will be laid for a joint exercise at sea.
Those in command are in the process of painstakingly placing the future
locations of the ships on the map.
Photos taken onboard the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer
"
The
exercises will involve several simulated missions, including the rescue
of a hijacked ship, the escort of a commercial vessel, and the defense
of a convoy from air and sea attacks," a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman said.
Other missions on the agenda are protection of marine lines of communication, and joint supply operations. Russia
has long been a major naval power, while the Chinese navy has been
expanding dramatically recently, a strategy to include operations away
from its own waters rather than just defensive procedures nearer home.
Photos taken onboard the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer
Both
sides stress the war games are not directed against any particular
country or military bloc. However, there is increasing concern in both
Moscow and Beijing about the US naval build-up in the Asia Pacific. Not
to mention the Japanese and South Korean naval forces too – close allies
with the US. Signs of Japanese and South Korean activity were
noticeable when the Russian convoy, traveling from Vladivostok, was
frequently followed by NATO reconnaissance planes, destroyers and
submarines.
Photos taken onboard the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer
After
final preparations by commanding officers, the whole fleet will leave
Qingdao, to start the naval part of the War Games. They will commence on
April 25 and continue for just two days. A parade of the ships is expected to take place on April 27, followed by the departure of the Russian naval convoy. While
the ships are being prepared for the exercise the crews have some free
time, visiting the city (Qingdao is currently one of the fastest-growing
ports on the Chinese Yellow Sea coast). The sailors will also compete
in sports such as volleyball, basketball and soccer.
Enticing Fury
Pakistan Cyber Force
![Pakistan Cyber Force [Official]](http://feeds.feedburner.com/PakistanCyberForce.2.gif)
0 Comments
