BEIJING, July 20 (Reuters) - China and Russia have begun their joint naval and air drills in the Sea of Japan, Chinese state media CCTV reported on Thursday.

The two sides will mainly focus on sea and air escorts, deterrence and repulsion, anchorage defence and other courses to carry out drills, CCTV reported.

"The joint exercises will test the ability of the Chinese and Russian armies to integrate joint operations in distant waters," it added.