Chinese and Russian armed forces have conducted joint military exercises to defend against terrorism.

The operation on Saturday was designed to strengthen military cooperation and the Sino-Russian strategic partnership.

During the exercise, the two air forces deployed more than thirty fighter jets, and land forces rolled out over one hundred tanks and armored vehicles.

The air and land units coordinated their actions in a simulated fight against terrorists.

The biennial Peace Mission showcases the ability and resolution of both sides to cooperate against security threats and crack down on terrorists, separatists, and extremists.

Lt Gen Segei Antonov, Russian Deputy Commander-in-Chief, said, "We have conducted the first joint military drill, but the tasks completed in the drill between China and Russia are not for the first time. We feel we are battling together."

Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff, PLA, said, "We conducted two other anti-terror military drills in 2005 and 2007, with the theme on peace mission. We realize that global terrorism is harmful to people around the world, and threatens both Russia and China. Anti-terrorism needs enhanced global cooperation, and it is also our common responsibility. We need to join hands in the fight against global and regional terrorism, to maintain world peace and stability."

(CCTV July 19, 2009)