BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A joint anti-terrorism military exercise within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) will be held in Russia this year, Chinese Assistant Foreign minister Li Hui said here Wednesday.

    Li made the remarks at a press conference introducing President Hu Jintao's upcoming state visit to Russia from March 26 to 28.

    Li said members of SCO had decided to hold a joint military exercise in Russia in 2007. Detailed issues like whether state leaders will be invited to present the exercise are still under discussion among nations concerned.

    The joint military exercise embodies the resolution and ability of SCO members to crack down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and to maintain regional peace and security, said Li.

    When asked about China-Russia military cooperation, Li said, the purpose of China-Russia military cooperation is to enhance exchanges and to contribute to world peace and stability. It does not target at any third country.

    Defense ministers of China and Russia and other senior military officers have conducted frequent exchange of visits in recent years, Li added.

    In response to a question concerning China's purchase of weapons from Russia, Li said China mainly relies on itself in developing and producing weaponry. China only buys a limited number of weapons from overseas.

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Russia willing to further work with China within SCO framework

    BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) --- Russian Armed Forces are willing to conduct further cooperation with China within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said visiting Russian Chief of General Staff here on Sunday.

    Yury Baluyevsky, Chief of General Staff of Russian Armed Forces,as the guest of his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie, held talks with Liang on Sunday, discussing the preparation of a joint anti-terror military exercise between the SCO member countries, namely China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, in April in Russia.  

SCO member states prepare for joint anti-terror military exercise

    SHANGHAI, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Six member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held their second round of consultation here on Wednesday through Friday to prepare for a joint anti-terror military exercise in 2007 in Russia, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

    Representatives of the six countries' defense ministries participated in the meeting and conferred on a series of important issues concerning the preparation and implementation of the military exercise in a sincere and friendly atmosphere.