The Ministry of Defense says Chinese military officials have held their third round of talks with Russian counterparts over the planned 'Joint Sea 2016' maritime exercise. This exercise will be held in the South China Sea in September.

"China and Russia held their third round of talks over the 'Joint Sea 2016' maritime exercise in Zhanjiang City from Aug. 16 to 21, sharing views on the plan and arrangements for communication and logistics support," said Wu Qian, spokesperson, China's Ministry of National Defense.

"They reached wide consensus and also inspected relevant sites and facilities. The exercise will focus on joint maritime defense actions.”

According to Russian media, the exercise will be held from September 12 to 19. China and Russia have stressed that the drill is routine and does not target any third party.

But it still is drawing great attention from the US and its allies. Australian media report that Australia and the US plan to deploy maritime patrol aircraft and a conventional submarine to the exercise zone, to monitor the joint drill in the South China Sea.