Chinese and Russian naval forces have begun six days of joint exercises in the Yellow Sea, off east China's Shandong Province. The countries have conducted four military exercises since 2005, but this is a first for the two navies.

Soldiers from the Russian Pacific Fleet's flagship Varyag visit the missile destroyer "Shenyang" of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 22, 2012.

Warships have gathered at Qingdao Port. China has sent more than 4,000 service personnel, 16 vessels, and two submarines to the task. Russia's contribution includes four warships and three supply ships from its Pacific Fleet, including the flagship Varyag.

The joint exercise officially kicked off on Sunday morning. And the deputy commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, Ding Yiping, delivered exercise tasks. The exercise will focus on maritime air defense, anti-submarine tactics, and search and rescue operations. The two navies will also deploy aircraft and special force units for joint maritime anti-terrorist exercise.