Chinese and Russian troops participating in this year's Peace Mission military exercise have conducted their first joint drill. Despite harsh weather conditions, commanders from both sides are confident about the final success of the mission.
Saturday's joint drill lasted for about 2 hours. The two militaries dispatched hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles as well as scores of fighter jets and helicopters in the drill. Chinese and Russian troops were mixed together to improve their coordination.
Commanders from both sides say the mission provides a good opportunity to learn from each other. They noted that the two nations shoulder the same responsibility in maintaining regional peace and stability.
The formal military exercise of the Peace Mission-2009 is scheduled to begin later this week. On Sunday, the camp site of the two militaries was hit by a serious rainstorm, flooding some tents. The two sides are doing all they can to overcome the impact of the adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, meteorologists are forecasting milder weather for the coming days. To coordinate the armed forces under the framework of the SCO, the member states have engaged in joint anti-terrorism military exercises code-named "Peace Mission" since 2005.
