China and Russia have reached an unprecedented height in their strategic partnership as 10,000 Chinese and Russian troops concluded on Thursday a joint military exercise code-named "Peace Mission 2005" that has drawn worldwide attention.

This was the first ever war game conducted by China and Russia.

Involving various warplanes, warships and troops carefully picked from the Chinese and Russian armed forces, the cynosural 8-days drills focused on strategic consultations, battle planning, transportation and deployment of troops, and combat practice.

Both sides repeatedly emphasized the exercises neither target any third party, nor undermine the interest of any third country.

Actually, many countries have held military drills in the Asia-Pacific region. Three days ago, for instance, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States kicked off an annual joint military exercise ahead of the planned resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

Similarly, Russia has previously conducted joint military training with the United States, India and other countries.

"If the games provoke interest, concern, whatever, those are their problems," he said, calling the exercise "normal practice."

The Sino-Russian military exercise was conducted against the backdrop of continuously improving ties between the two countries, characterized by growing trade, the successful settlement of historical border disputes and regular dialogue between leaders of the two nations.

The recently concluded drills provided another powerful sinew in the increasingly close Sino-Russia relationship. They signal the two countries' joint efforts to safeguard regional and world peace and strengthen their cooperation and coordination in defence and security.

In addition to enhancing trust and friendship between the two countries, the drills also had the more concrete and practical effect of improving the two armed forces' capabilities in handling new challenges and threats, particularly those posed by terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, growing nuisances in both China, Russia and other SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) member countries located in central Asia.

In a world whose vulnerability to well-organized terrorist attacks had been repeatedly exposed, it is the unshirkable responsibility of countries like China and Russia to protect their territories and deter malefactors from pestering neighboring nations.

Yet the joint military exercise also signifies China and Russia would make joint efforts to maintain regional, global peace and stability.

Six decades ago, China and the Soviet Union prevailed over the Japanese and German fascists after making formidable efforts and suffering huge losses. The joint military exercise echoed that success and reminds the world of the importance of peace and stability. It also reiterates the participants' resolution to preserve global peace.

The war games also made clear that China is willing to cooperate with other countries militarily and is serious about learning from its peers as it modernizes its armed forces.

China previously held military exercises with the armed forces of Pakistan, India, France and Britain. More moves to deepen China's military communication with other countries can be expected.

The Chinese-Russian military drills have raised the two countries' cooperation to a new high and provided opportunities for them to draw experiences from each other. They also show their determination to make a greater contribution to regional and world peace and their commitment to facing common new challenges and threats.

As the world is becomes increasingly like a global village, it is reasonable for different countries to have their voices heard in the process of setting up a new international order.

Source: Xinhua