China and Russia are staging an eight-day navy drill beginning today. China's navy says the "Joint Sea" drill is taking place in waters off South China's Guangdong Province.

According to military experts, the exercise will likely highlight two subjects -- anti-submarine warfare, and landing operations on islands and reefs.

Russia has sent some of its best vessels, including the Ropucha-class landing ship, and the Udaloy Class Destroyer.

Experts say the joint exercise will likely take place in coastal waters.

"Naval surface ships, submarines, and marine corps from both Chinese and Russian navies will take part in the drill. The navies will undertake defense, rescue, and anti-submarine operations, as well as joint island-seizing activities," said Liang Yang, spokesperson, Chinese Navy.

"The marine corps, in particular, will carry out live-fire drills. They will also conduct sea crossing, island landing operations, and island defense and offense exercises among other missions. The activities will deepen cooperation and strengthen our ability to jointly counter threats from the sea."