The naval and air forces from China and Russia on Sunday completed the first stage of their joint military drills code-named "Northern/Interaction-2024".
According to a statement announced by China's Ministry of National Defense on Monday, the drills aimed to deepen strategic cooperation between the two sides and strengthen their ability to respond to security threats.
During the five-day exercises, the naval and air forces from both sides completed multi-subject tasks in the waters and airspace of the Sea of Japan to test the tactical command coordination and joint operation capabilities of the two sides.
Ship-to-sea firing was launched right after the fleets reached the designated waters. According to the information sent by the air forces, the maritime joint operation group locked on to the enemy ships quickly and conducted simulated missile attacks.
Sailors used radars and photoelectricity to constantly update information about aerial targets.
Chinese guided-missile destroyer Wuxi and Russian corvette Sovershennyy fired one after another, and they both hit the targets.
"High intensity and fast pace are the prominent features of the drills, which required us to better demonstrate our continuous combat capability. Especially in anti-aircraft firing by secondary guns, the lead ship fired and hit the target instantly in the fleeting combat window. This has fully demonstrated our ability and training level," said Song Qinglong, a Chinese sailor.
As night fell, under the command of the Chinese side, the joint maritime taskforce conducted ship-to-sea firing by main guns. After Chinese guided-missile destroyer Xining took the firing position, sailors at the main firing potion carried out attacks according to the instruction and destroyed the targets successfully.
"In the drills, we applied real battlefield environment to conduct exercises on subjects such as ship-to-sea firing by main guns and anchorage ground defense at night, and effectively dealt with all kinds of emergencies in the darkness of night. We achieved the desired effect through the drills," said Dong Kai, another Chinese sailor.
China, Russia complete first stage of joint military exercise
China, Russia complete first stage of joint military exercise
China, Russia complete first stage of joint military exercise
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
