VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) — Russia's Pacific Fleet vessels returned to the Far East city of Vladivostok after participating in a joint naval drill with China in the South China Sea on Sept. 13-19, the Eastern Military District said Wednesday.

"The Russian and Chinese sailors practiced joint anti-sabotage, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and anti-ship missile defense," it said in a statement.

The Russian navy sent three surface ships, two supply ships, two helicopters, amphibious armored equipment as well as 96 marines to take part.

Russia and China hold joint drills annually to strengthen cooperation between their fleets in response to various threats in the sea.