Russia and China will hold joint naval exercises on December 21-27, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the joint naval exercises, held annually since 2012, will include missile and artillery launches into the East China Sea.
“The main purpose of the exercises is to strengthen maritime cooperation between Russia and China and to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” the ministry said.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Moscow has sought to strengthen its political, security and economic ties with Beijing, and sees Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a key ally in an anti-Western alliance.
The two countries signed an “unlimited” strategic partnership just days before Moscow launched Europe’s largest land invasion since WWII in February, but Beijing has since expressed concern about Russia’s actions in Ukraine. .
Russia said four of its ships, including the missile cruiser Varyag, will participate in the exercise, along with six Chinese ships, as well as aircraft and helicopters from both sides.
Russian ships depart from the Far East port of Vladivostok on Monday to participate in week-long exercises starting Wednesday.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.