BEIJING, Sep. 24 -- According to the consensus reached by China and Russia, the Chinese participating troops have arrived in Russia in mid-September to take part in the "Kavkaz-2020" strategic exercise, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a new spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense, at aregular press conference on September 24.

Tan said that the Chinese participating troops are mainly from the PLA Western Theater Command. At present, they have completed tasks such as long-range cross-border power projection, establishment of command structure, combat-readiness training, and joint campaign planning, etc.

It is learnt that the live-fire drills of the "Kavkaz-2020" strategic exercise will be conducted at the Kapustin Yar Range in Astrakhan region, Russia, on September 25. The Chinese Defense Spokesperson Tan pointed out that the"Kavkaz-2020" exercise aims to enhance the capabilities of the multinational forces to jointly respond to security threats and maintain regional peace and stability.

"It will also further deepen China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era," Tan stressed.