China and Russia conducted an anti-terror drill Peace Mission 2009 in Taonan, Jilin Province, in 2009. [File photo]

China and Russia will conduct a joint navy exercise?between April?and May, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said at a regualar press?briefing Thursday.

The joint drill is the consensus between Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Russian miliatry officials during Chen's official visit to Russia last August, said ministry spokesman Yang Yujun.

The?exercise is aimed at deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, beefing up?capability to cope with new challenges and threats and?maintaining?peace and stability?of the Asia Pacific region and the world, Yang said.

Preparations?for the drill?are?underway, said Yang, without giving further details.

Since 2005, China and Russia have conducted several joint military exercises within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.