"This is a routine exercise between the two armed forces, aimed at strengthening the developing China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership," Reuters quoted the words of China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, who also added that the exercise is "not directed against third parties."
"These drills are not targeted against any specific country. The main thing is to develop a common military response with our close neighbor against any threat," Russian Deputy Commander Sergey Vertepa said, speaking of the exercises in August, 2015.
Nonetheless, this year's drills would lead to increasing tensions with US, which is becoming increasingly worried about Beijing's 'territorial rights' on the South China Sea. Meanwhile, China is becoming increasingly tired of Washington meddling in Beijing's spheres of influence.
A few days ago, it was reported that the US and Japan struck a bargain to enhance bilateral military cooperation in Asia, amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea region.
It looks like the opposing blocks are forming in the rapidly militarizing region of the South China Sea, forming an unhealthy situation there.
Comment: Further reading: Pepe Escobar: The real secret of the South China Sea