China and Russia will hold joint naval drills next month, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun announced on July 30.

Yang said the drills, the second such exercise this year between the two countries, will be held from August 20 to 28 in Peter the Great Bay, off the coastal line of the Clerk Cape and in and above the Sea of Japan.

They will “aim to improve China and Russia’s capacity in coping with maritime security threats,” he said. “Navies of the two countries will join forces to simulate anti-submarine combat, air defense and other relevant missions.”

The other drills between the two countries this year lasted for 11 days in the Mediterranean in May.