China and Russia today vowed to further advance their military ties. The pledge came out of a meeting today between Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Guo Boxiong and Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov in Beijing. Guo hailed the development of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination highlighting their close high-level contact. The Russian Defence Minister expressed the hope that his China visit would help promote development of the relations between Russian and Chinese armed forces. Int moreFive Somalians to face first US piracy trial Five Somali men accused of firing at a US Navy ship off the coast of Africa are set to face the first US piracy trial in more than 100 years. The trial, which is taking place in Norfolk, Virginia, is expected to last for about a month. The charges against the men include piracy, attacking to plunder a maritime vessel, and assault with a dangerous weapon. According to court documents, the suspects apparently mistook the guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas for a merchant ship, west of the Seychelles.They allegedly fired on the ship which was patrolling the area for pirates and it shot back, forcing the men to flee. The men were later captured and brought back to the US to stand trial.