The Hindu : International : China, Russia pledge to continue cooperation in military field

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Friday, Aug 26, 2005

International

International

China, Russia pledge to continue cooperation in military field

Joint exercises end; manoeuvres not aimed at third party, say leaders

— PHOTO: AP

LANDING DRILL: Amphibious tanks and Marine Corps soldiers rush to the beachhead during the third phase of China, Russia military exercises, held in China's Shandong Peninsula on Wednesday.

WEIFANG (CHINA): The first China-Russia joint military exercises ended here on Thursday after successful manoeuvres of 10,000 troops from the Russian and Chinese navy, air force, army and paratroops.

``Through the exercises, the two armed forces enhanced their friendship and mutual trust, and improved their capabilities to meet new challenges and threats and to fight international terrorism, extremism and separatism,'' said Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan at the closing ceremony.

"A safeguard for peace"

The exercises neither aim at any third party nor concern the interests of any third country, but merely reflect the common aspirations of the two countries for peace, unity and cooperation, and friendship from generation to generation, said Mr. Cao, also Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and State Councillor.

The exercises demonstrate the firm determination of both countries to safeguard world peace and promote common development, he said.

The first-ever China-Russia military exercises, dubbed ``Peace Mission 2005,'' began on August 18 in Russia's Far East City of Vladivostok and moved to the Shandong peninsula in east China the following day.

Mr. Cao said the successful exercises also embodied the positive outcome of cooperation between China and Russia in the area of defence and security. He attributed the ``high-level and high-quality'' exercises to full preparations, good organising work and close coordination, saying all this showcased the brilliant military skills and commanding ability of the two armed forces.

Under the joint efforts, China and Russia will continue to strengthen their strategic partnership of cooperation and deepen their pragmatic military cooperation, said Mr. Cao.

"China is ready to work with Russian and other countries to safeguard world peace and stability, to build a harmonious world of common prosperity, and become a major constructive force for a new international order,'' he said.

Regional stability

As for regional cooperation, he said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which groups China and Russia with some Central Asian countries, has played an increasingly important role in maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting economic development.

It has also demonstrated strong vitality and bright prospects for development, Mr. Cao said. — AP

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