China and Russia Sunday morning launched their first joint naval exercises, amid tensions between China and its Asian neighbours over regional territorial claims. The official China News Service said the six days of drills are talking place in the Yellow Sea off China's east coast, adding these were the first exercises involving the navies of the two countries. According to Xinhua news agency, the exercises will focus on joint air defence, anti-submarine tactics and search and rescue. They will also include simulated rescue of hijacked vessels and anti-terrorism drills. China has 16 naval vessels and two submarines taking part while Russia has four warships. The exercises, taking place near China's Qingdao city off the coast of Shandong province, come as China boosts military spending and asserts claims over disputed territory, including a chain of islands in the East China Sea, which is also claimed by Japan.