China, Russia to hold joint anti-missile drills this monthMay 5, 2016 - 12:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China and Russia will hold their first joint computer-assisted anti-missile drill, state media said on Thursday, May 5, after the United States and South Korea discussed an anti-missile defense system for the South to counter threats from North Korea, Reuters reports. The Chinese and Russian foreign ministers last week urged Washington and Seoul to drop the proposed deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, following North Korea's fourth nuclear bomb on Jan. 6 and subsequent missile tests. The tests violate UN resolutions against North Korea backed by Russia and China. U.S. and South Korean officials have expressed concern that the North could attempt a fifth nuclear test in a show of strength ahead of its Workers' Party congress, which begins on Friday. The China-Russia drill will be held this month at a Russian military research centre, the official English-language China Daily newspaper said, citing China's defense ministry. The paper gave few details, but cited experts saying the drill would help the two countries' militaries familiarize themselves with their respective command structures and data transmission processes, Reuters says. The White House has said it is still in talks with its close ally, South Korea, on the THAAD system and that it would not threaten other countries if installed. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said the system threatens equilibrium on the Korean peninsula and damages China's and Russia's strategic security. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. |