According to a memorandum on joint military exercise signed in July 2004 between Chinese and Russian Ministries of Defense, the two countries will hold their first joint military exercises "Peace Mission 2005" from Aug. 18 to 25 in Russia's Vladivostok and East China's Shandong Peninsular as well as nearby offshore seawaters. Sources say Russian air force's Su-27 fighter, and the troika of Russia's nuclear striking force Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22 bomber will participate in the exercise.

A Tu-160 strategic bomber shown at the 4th Russia International Air Show. (file photo)

A Su-27 fighter displayed at the 5th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.

A Su-27 fighter displayed at the 8th Santiago International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.