China, Iran, Russia hold second joint naval exercise

This photo taken on Feb 18, 2021 shows missile destroyer Changsha sailing on the sea. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING – China, Iran and Russia held a second maritime exercise from Tuesday to Thursday at the waters of the Gulf of Oman, according to China's Ministry of National Defense.

ALSO READ: Navy ships arrive at sea for training operations

The Chinese side sent a missile destroyer, a supply ship and helicopters, as well as 40 members of the Chinese navy marine corps, to participate in the exercise, the ministry said.

READ MORE: China, Pakistan launch 6th joint naval exercise

The joint exercise aimed to deepen practical cooperation among the three navies, and show the willingness and capabilities of the three countries to jointly safeguard maritime security and build a maritime community with a shared future, the ministry said.