China, Russia and Mongolia conclude this week's "Vostok-2018" strategic drills with a military parade on Thursday at the Tsugol training range in Russia's Trans-Baikal region. (PAN MENGQI/CHINA DAILY)
China and Russia vowed to further deepen military ties and improve their troops' combat abilities to respond to various security threats, as they formally concluded the "Vostok-2018" strategic drills with a military parade on Thursday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe inspected the troops at the Tsugol training range in Russia's Trans-Baikal region, where the exercise was held.
Wei said the drills reflect China and Russia's confidence and determination to jointly safeguard regional peace and security, and the exercise enhances the two militaries' ability to respond to multiple security threats.
The two sides should further strengthen their strategic cooperation and continuously promote the development of their military relations, Wei added.
Putin said in his opening speech before the parade that Russia will continue to enhance international military cooperation with other countries and strengthen its armed forces to counter different security threats.
He praised Russian and Chinese troops who participated in high-level drills in which they demonstrated their capability to counter potential military threats.
In the parade, the Russian army rolled out many of its latest and mightiest pieces of military hardware, including Iskander missiles, T-80 and T-90 tanks, and Su-34 and Su-35 fighter jets.
The People's Liberation Army displayed its Type-99 main battle tank, ZBD-08 infantry fighting vehicle, WZ-9 and WZ-19 attack helicopters, Mi-171 helicopters and the JH-7A fighter-bomber.
