MOSCOW, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Two Chinese naval vessels arrived in the Russian port city of St. Petersburg Monday as part of a friendship tour that will also take them to Britain, Spain and France.

    This is the first time that Chinese warships visit St. Petersburg, the second largest city of Russia.

    More than 500 Chinese officers and sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer Guangzhou and the supply ship Weishanhu, belonging to the South China Sea Fleet of the Chinese Navy, will participate in activities celebrating the "Year of China" in Russia.

    The two ships, which will travel more than 23,000 nautical miles in 87 days, are also expected to launch a joint search and rescue exercise with navies of Britain, Spain and France.