Beijing, Apr 22 (IANS): China and Russia Sunday began a joint naval exercise that will focus on maritime defence.

Russian Naval Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Leonid Sukhanov announced here Sunday the official start of the joint exercise with the Chinese navy, reported Xinhua.

Ding Yiping, deputy commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, delivered the exercise tasks.

China and Russia have held four military exercises since 2005.

The April 22-27 drill, taking place in the Yellow Sea off China's east coast, involves a total of 16 vessels and two submarines from Chinese navy and four warships from Russian navy's Pacific Fleet as well as three supply ships being summoned for the exercise.

The exercise will focus on joint maritime air defence and protection of marine traffic arteries, including joint escort, maritime search and rescue, anti-submarine tactics as well as joint effort to rescue hijacked vessels.