A fleet of Chinese naval vessels sailed out of Qingdao port in eastern China heading to the Sea of Japan for joint exercises with Russia, state media reported on Tuesday.<br/> <br />Four destroyers, two escort vessels and a supply ship left the port on Monday, marking the largest number of vessels the Chinese navy has ever sent to take part in joint military drills with foreign countries, state-run Xinhua news agency said.<br/> <br />A total of 18 vessels, one submarine, three fixed-wing planes, five carrier-based helicopters and two teams of special forces from the two countries will participate in the exercises, that will kick off on Friday, Xinhua reported.<br/> <br />The eight-day manoeuvres will focus on joint maritime air defence, joint escorts and marine search and rescue operations, it added.
