VLADIVOSTOK, July 5 (Itar-Tass) - Seven ships of the Navy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) arrive here on Friday to participate in Maritime Interaction - 2013" joint exercises in conjunction with Russia's Pacific Fleet (PF).

The Chinese side will be represented at the exercises by four destroyers, two frigates and a comprehensive supply vessel, Captain 1st Rank Roman Martov, PF spokesman, announced. An active phase of the exercises will be held in the Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan) (East Sea) from July 8 to 10.

According to Martov, about 20 ships and boats of various classes, over ten aircraft and helicopters will take part in the exercises on both sides. The principal purposes of the exercises will be further to develop and strengthen RF-PRC relations in the military sphere, drill and refine actions in the conduct of joint operations at sea.

The plan for the exercises has it that the navy men of the two countries will free a ship seized by sea pirates and carry out a search-and-rescue operation to render assistance to a stricken ship. The sides will also drill the escorting of ships, replenishment of stocks at sea, and joint arrangements for anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and anti-ship defence. The navy men will also practice firing at surface and air targets. The exercises will end with a naval review and the summing up of results.

The first exercises of such a format were held in the Yellow Sea in April last year. Seven ships and support craft of the PF took part in the Maritime Interacton - 2012 exercises.