BEIJING - Chinese and Russian armed forces started a joint exercise in the waters and airspace near Zhanjiang city in South China in early July, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense on Friday.

"Exercise Joint Sea-2024" is conducted according to China-Russia annual military engagement plan and bilateral agreement, and scheduled to last until around mid-July, said Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson, at a press conference.

It aims to demonstrate the resolve and capabilities of the militaries in jointly addressing maritime security threats and preserving global and regional peace and stability, he said.

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It will further deepen China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, Zhang said.