NEW DELHI: China and Russia have begun a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea . The drills are bound to spark further fears over China's expansionist claims in the region, given that the official brief for the drill includes "island seizing missions".The drills are taking place in the South China Sea, south of Guangdong Province. "Together, Chinese and Russian participants will undertake defense, rescue, and anti-submarine operations, in addition to joint-island seizing missions and other activities," Liang said on Sunday. The Chinese Navy will deploy 10 ships, including destroyers, frigates, landing ships, supply ships and submarines. China will also take part in the exercises with 11 fixed-wing aircraft, eight helicopters, and 160 marines and amphibious armoured equipment.

Source: Times of India September 12, 2016 16:25 UTC