China and Russia launched joint naval exercises Sunday in the Yellow Sea between the east coast of mainland China and the Korean peninsula.

Chinese state media report that 16 Chinese surface vessels and two submarines, as well as four Russian warships, are taking part in the six days of drills scheduled from April 22 through 27.

The Chinese and Russian vessels gathered at the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao Saturday — the home of China's northern fleet.

The exercises will include maritime air defense, anti-submarine tactics, search-and-rescue and the simulated rescue of hijacked ships, and anti-terrorism drills.

Formerly Cold War rivals for leadership of the communist world, China and Russia have conducted four bilateral and multilateral military exercises since 2005.

The two countries are also participants in six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program that also include the two Koreas, Japan and the U.S.