China media laud Russia ties, naval exercises

BEIJING: Chinese state-run media lauded Beijing and Moscow's increasing closeness Tuesday, dismissing Western suspicion over the relationship as the two countries began their first joint naval exercises in European waters.

The drills, involving nine Russian and Chinese warships and set to last 11 days, were launched at a Russian naval base near the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, Moscow's defence ministry said late Monday.