Naval forces from China and Russia have carried out joint exercises on air defense and anti-submarine warfare in the South China Sea.

A missile destroyer and a range of anti-submarine vessels participated in the drills. Military officials say the aims of the exercises were achieved. They are all part of the “Joint Sea-2016” drill that runs from September 13 to 19.

Chinese frigate "Huangshan" and Russian Navy's Antisubmarine Ship "Admiral Tributs" sail to a target area during a China-Russia naval joint drill at sea off south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 16, 2016. Chinese and Russian fleets conducted joint operation exercise off Guangdong Province in the South China Sea during the "Joint Sea 2016" drill on Friday. The drill, starting on Sept. 12, will run until Sept. 19, consisting of three phases: preparation at port, exercise at sea and summary. (Xinhua/Zha Chunming)