China, Russia held anti-terror drill (3)

HUHHOT, Oct. 20  -- Chinese and Russian police held a anti-terror drill on Monday in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to boost coordinated ability to fight terrorism in the border region.

Held in Manzhouli city by China's Inner Mongolia and Russia's border city of Zabaikalsk police forces, the drill involves planning hostage rescues and physical competitions between both squads, according to Chinese police.

"Maintaining the stability of the border region has significant meaning for the bilateral relationship," said Ma Ming, vice chairman of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and head of the region's Public Security Department.

According to Ma, criminal activities at the Chinese-Russian border including smuggling, drug dealing and illegal border crossing have increased recently, therefore the cooperation between two countries is imperative.

"The joint drill will certainly strengthen their resolve and capability to fight terrorism," Ma said.

In August, a multinational anti-terror drill was held in China's Inner Mongolia by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, aiming to deter the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism.