Vladivostok (Russia), Jul 5 (IANS): A fleet of Chinese warships arrived in Russia's Far Eastern port Vladivostok Friday to take part in a week-long joint naval drill.

Addressing a welcoming ceremony at a port of Russia's Pacific Fleet, Leonid Sukhanov, deputy chief of staff of the Russian Navy, said the drill was one of the largest joint military manoeuvres in the region.

The drill was aimed at enhancing the two navies' capability in coordinating maritime defence operations, he added.

Ding Yiping, deputy commander of the Chinese Navy, said it was the first time the two navies were staging joint military exercises in waters near Russia's Peter the Great Bay.

A total of 19 vessels, eight planes and two teams of special forces from the two countries will take part in the July 5-12 exercises.

These will focus on joint maritime air defence, joint escorts and marine search and rescue operations.

In 2012, the two navies conducted a joint drill in the Yellow Sea.