Russia announced on Thursday that joint naval exercises with China have begun in the Sea of Japan as the two partners look to strengthen their military ties.
Since Russia began its offensive in Ukraine last year, a move China did not condemn, relations between Moscow and Beijing have gotten closer.
The Russian defence ministry said the main goal of the exercises that will run until Sunday is to “strengthen naval cooperation” between the two countries and “maintain stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region”.
The ministry stated that there are preparations to “carry out joint artillery fire,” as well as “anti-submarine missions and naval combat” and sea and air escort of ships.
According to the ministry, the Russian navy is represented by two anti-submarine ships, two corvettes, and auxiliary ships.
Beijing announced on Sunday that five warships, including a guided-missile destroyer, were being sent.
According to the Russian ministry, both sides are participating in the drills with more than 30 navy aircraft, including anti-submarine, helicopter, and interceptor aircraft.
Last month, South Korea sent out fighter jets as a precaution after China and Russia conducted a coordinated air patrol over the Seas of Japan and East China.
Since 2019, there have been six similar China-Russia patrols in the region.
