You're reading: General Chief of Staff explains why Chinese, Ukrainian observers invited to Vostok-2010

Moscow, July 15 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Chief of the General Staff Gen. Nikolai Makarov has explained the invitation of Chinese military observers to the Vostok-2010 strategic exercises because of allied relations and the drill's proximity to Chinese borders.

"The exercises took place on a vast territory near China, our ally. So, it was quite logical to invite their representatives and thus avoid possible questions who the exercises were targeted against, and why. I think we scattered any possible doubts," he said at a press conference in Moscow.

Makarov explained the presence of Ukrainian military observers with "a considerable improvement of bilateral relations and the Ukrainian desire to develop the armed forces proceeding from our experience."

"They [Ukrainian representatives] wanted to see the effect of the armed forces’ reform on the operation of servicemen. We met their desire, and the defense minister invited a Ukrainian delegation to the exercises," he said.