China, Iran and Russia to hold joint naval exercises

(CLO) China's Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that the country will soon hold a joint naval exercise with Iran and Russia. The venue will take place near Iran.

According to the announcement, the exercise, dubbed Security Belt-2025, will take place in early and mid-March in the area near Iran's Chabahar Port, a strategically important location between the Strait of Hormuz and the Indian Ocean.

Chinese warships arrive in waters near Chabahar, Iran, on March 11, 2024. Photo: VCG

The exercise will include activities such as attacking sea targets, visiting and inspecting suspicious vessels (VBSS), damage control and search and rescue. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy will send the destroyer Baotou and the supply ship Gaoyouhu to participate in the exercise.

The Chinese Defense Ministry said the exercise was aimed at enhancing military trust and promoting cooperation among the three countries. This is the fifth time since 2019 that China, Iran and Russia have held joint naval exercises, reflecting increasingly close cooperation between the three sides.

Prior to this exercise, two Chinese warships, Baotou and Gaoyouhu, also participated in the AMAN-2025 multinational maritime exercise in Pakistan in February. The destroyer Baotou is a Type 052D-class guided missile ship, while Gaoyouhu is a Type 903A-class comprehensive supply ship.

Hoai Phuong (according to Global Times, Xinhua News Agency)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trung-quoc-iran-va-nga-sap-to-chuc-tap-tran-hai-quan-chung-post337709.html