As Russia and China strengthen their ties in the face of pressure from the West, Moscow said on Monday that six of its warships would take part in naval drills with Beijing’s navy beginning this week.
The East China Sea exercises, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, will be held between December 21 and December 27 with the intention of “strengthening naval cooperation” between Moscow and Beijing.
According to a release, these would entail live missile launching, artillery practice, and exercises to counter submarines.
“The main goal of the exercises is to strengthen naval cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.” It said China would incorporate two destroyers, patrol ships, a supply ship and a submarine.
“Aircraft and helicopters of the navy’s aviation forces of the Pacific Fleet and the People’s Liberation Navy will be involved in the exercise,” the ministry said.
China and Russia, once tumultuous Cold War partners, have grown closer recently as part of what they refer to as a “no limits” alliance that serves as a check on American control of the world.
