China and Russia would start a joint naval drill in the South China Sea on Monday. The exercise is expected to last over eight days and has been named "Joint Sea-2016."

The exercise would include various submarines, ship-borne helicopters, and surface ships. Both navies will conduct anti-submarine operations, defense operations, and "island seizing."

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According to Reuters, China and Russia conducted joint military drills in the Mediterranean and the Sea of Japan last year. The upcoming drill would involve marines participating in live-fire drills and landing operations. This naval operation is the largest-ever drill conducted by the navies of these two countries.

China had announced plans for this drill in July, describing it as "routine." The country clarified that the operation is not aimed against any other country and is meant to boost cooperation. Shanghai Daily reported that this drill is the fifth one between the two countries since 2012. The countries held a joint drill in the Yellow Sea and off the coast of Russia's Far East in 2012 and 2013 respectively. In 2014, the exercise was held in the East China Sea.

The joint exercise comes at the time when the South China Sea is a major international issue. In July, a United Nations-backed arbitration court ruled against China's historic rights to the disputed maritime territory. The court also disapproved the country's environmental actions. China did not participate in the case and has rejected the ruling. Russia is one of the countries that has voiced support for China's stance in the South China Sea dispute.

TagsRussia, china, South China Sea, Philippines