Language 'not a barrier' for Chinese-Russian joint exercise

Different language proves "not a big problem" for the marine corps from China and Russia during the joint navy exercise, a brigade commander said on Wednesday.

Captain Sun Hao, who is in charge of commanding the island-seizing combat in the drill, said that the marine forces of both sides could understand each other despite speaking different languages.

"I noticed that during the exercise, soldiers from the two countries could communicate with body language, simple English and even eye contact," he said.

The eight-day drill, "Joint Sea-2016," is being held from Sept 12 to 19 in the eastern waters of Zhanjiang, the southernmost city of Guangdong province, where the Nanhai Fleet under the People's Liberation Army Navy is headquartered.

The drill features Navy surface ships, submarines, fixed-wing aircraft, ship-borne helicopters marine corps and amphibious armored equipment from both navies, according to navy spokesman Liang Yang.

Several procedures will be undertaken during the drill, including joint air defense, anti-submarine operations, landing, island-seizing, search and rescue, and weapon use.

The Russian marine forces have performed excellently in the drill, which takes place at strange venues for them, said Sun, the captain.

"Besides, the high temperature here is also a torture for Russian soldiers who are more used to cold weather," he said.

Roman Kosarev, a senior journalist of Russia Today, also found that the "language barrier is no longer a problem" for the soldiers of both sides after they have short but efficient communications.

"Russia and China are friends, both geographically and strategically," he said.

Ten Chinese Navy ships - destroyers, frigates, landing ships, supply ships and submarines - are participating in the drill, as well as 11 fixed-wing aircraft, eight helicopters, 160 marines and amphibious armored equipment.

Russia's large anti-submarine ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov, large amphibious ship Peresvet, sea towboat Alatau, and tanker Pechenga are participating in the drill.