China will hold joint naval exercises with Russia and Iran in the Indian Ocean this month, the Chinese defence ministry said on Sunday.
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The ministry said the “Security Belt-2025” joint exercise would be held near the Iranian port of Chabahar on the coast of the Gulf of Oman with the aim of deepening “military trust and pragmatic cooperation”.
The exercise will include simulated attacks on maritime targets, joint search and rescue drills, and spot checks and arrests.
China will send the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and supply ship Gaoyouhu from the 47th naval escort task force to take part in the exercise.
The full task force, which also includes the guided-missile frigate Honghe and two ship-borne helicopters, has been patrolling in the nearby Gulf of Aden since December.
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Last year’s exercise was held between March 11 to 15 and focused on anti-piracy and search and rescue drills.
Exercises included the armed rescue of hijacked merchant vessels and firing on targets at sea, according to the defence ministry.