Russia, China hold Peace Mission 2009 joint exercise

The exercise involves about 3,000 Russian and Chinese servicemen, nearly 300 units of army military equipment and over 40 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Photo: BMP-86A infantry fighting vehicles of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China.

On July 23-26, both sides will conduct a simulated counter-terrorist operation and troop exercises at the Taonan tactical training base in China's Shenyang Military Area Command.

Russian servicemen releasing hostages in the town.

Russian paratroopers landing.

A PLA tank attack.

A Russian Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer tactical bomber.

Chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff Nikolai Makarov, center, at a rehearsal of Russian and Chinese troop contingents during the Peace Mission 2009 joint counter-terrorist exercise in China.

Chinese and Russian servicemen during the first joint training session involving Russian and Chinese troop contingents.

A Chinese serviceman during the first joint training session involving Russian and Chinese troop contingents during the Peace Mission 2009 joint counter-terrorist exercise.

Chinese servicemen during the first joint training session involving Russian and Chinese troop contingents during the Peace Mission 2009 joint counter-terrorist exercise.

The Peace Mission 2009 joint counter-terrorist exercise involving elements of the Russian Armed Forces and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China is now conducted in both countries.