BEIJING, Feb. 27 -- A Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed on Thursday that Chinese and Russian naval forces will hold "Joint Sea-2014" drills from May to June.

The maritime exercise has become an institutionalized program in bilateral military exchanges after the two navies conducted joint drills in 2012 and 2013, said Yang Yujun.

Yang said detailed arrangements for the drills are still under discussion.

At the invitation of the Russian armed forces, China will also participate in the second Tank Biathlon Championships, added Yang.

The championships, invented by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu last year, are scheduled to run from July 26 to August 16 at the Alabino firing range in the Moscow region, according to media reports.