Navies bond over sports matches (3)

Ping-pong has played a key role in China's diplomatic history. In the early 1970s, ping-pong delegations from the United States and China visited each other's countries, facilitating the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between Beijing and Washington.

In addition to the ping-pong games, soldiers of the two countries also participated in friendly matches in volleyball and soccer. The ensemble of Russia's Pacific Fleet on Saturday conducted a special performance for the visiting Chinese navy.

On Sunday, Chinese naval soccer teams lost 1-2 and 1-3 to Russia.

Diplomatic ties and military-to-military exchanges between China and Russia have been strengthened over the years.

Last year, during the two countries' first naval drills in the Yellow Sea, Chinese and Russian soldiers also competed in games such as tug of war.

Zhang Pingjun, deputy political commissar of the Chinese flotilla, said that the sports and cultural exchanges offer a perfect platform for soldiers of the two countries to get in touch and build deeper trust.

"Friendship is what we hope to achieve ultimately through these activities," he said.

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