The Rus to War

(No, the title isn't a typographical error.)

The Russians are going to war... With China!

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (AP) -- China and Russia have sought to reassure a wary region that the aim of their first-ever joint military exercises is peaceful as both countries face mutual concerns about terrorism and extremism in Central Asia.

The war games launched Thursday will practice coordinating a joint force that culminates in a mock invasion next week on China's Shandong peninsula in the Yellow Sea -- using thousands of air, sea and land forces to simulate a mission stabilizing a restive country.

On Friday, commanders for both militaries began the practical phase of the exercises, coordinating the creation of a combined unit that will stage a landing on a Chinese peninsula to practice stabilizing a fictional country.

The drills, dubbed "Peace Mission 2005," are the latest indication of warming post-Cold War ties amid shared suspicions of U.S. dominance in world affairs.

That's just what we need, the Russkies and the Chinese practicing amphibious landings. Good grief.

Here's an alternate link.