According to the Sputnik News Agency of Russia on April 9, the Romanian Ministry of Defense said that NATO's large-scale naval exercise "Sea Shield -2024" kicked off in southeast Romania on April 8. It is reported that the Romanian radio station quoted the Romanian Ministry of Defense as saying: "More than 2200 soldiers from Romania, as well as 12 allies and partner countries, will participate in the NATO" Sea Shield -2024 "comprehensive exercise from April 8 to April 21." It is reported that the participating troops from Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Türkiye and the United States will participate in the live exercise. A total of 135 pieces of equipment participated in this exercise, including 27 ships and 17 aircraft. The Romanian Radio stated in its report that the exercise "helps to promote regional and international initiatives, promote Romanian interests, and improve the level of interoperability between participating forces.". (Lai Xin She)