YINCHUAN -- Chinese armed police and Russian national guard on Saturday began a joint anti-terrorism drill near Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

The exercise, which runs from Dec. 2 to 13, is aimed at strengthening friendly cooperation and enriching practical exchange, an official with the Chinese armed police said.

It is also meant to improve the participants' capabilities in carrying out joint anti-terrorism missions and tackling terrorism threats, the official said, adding that the exercise is not directed at any third party.

A total of 64 members are participating in the exercise that will be take place in several locations in Ningxia.