Chinese naval vessels steamed into Russia's far eastern port of Vladivostok on Thursday ahead of joint drills scheduled from August 1 to August 5, titled Maritime Cooperation - 2025.
Video footage from Russia's Defence Ministry showed two vessels, one submarine, and two rescue and support vessels People’s Liberation Army of China entering the harbour under grey skies.
Chinese seamen were greeted by cheering residents waving the national flags of both countries and women in traditional costume offered an officer a traditional bread and salt welcome.
Russian news agencies quoted a statement from Russia's Pacific Fleet on Wednesday as saying the exercises were, "defensive in nature and are not directed against other countries."
The exercises will be led by Russian Vice Admiral Denis Berezovsky and Chinese Vice Admiral Liu Zizhu.
The naval part of the exercise will be held in the Sea of Japan on August 3 to 5.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Alistair Bell)