ISLAMABAD: China defense authorities announced that Chinese naval vessels have embarked on a voyage to engage in joint maneuvers with the Russian military.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. The relationship between Moscow and Beijing has grown closer, with China refraining from condemning the action. The two countries have recently increased their defense contacts. It also includes participating in joint military drills.
However, the most recent exercises, involving air and sea forces, are scheduled to occur in the Sea of Japan. As the Chinese Ministry of Defense stated, these drills aim to protect strategic maritime routes. Although, the ministry’s statement mentions that the Chinese military has deployed five warships. It is including a guided-missile destroyer. However, the exact date of the exercises was not specified.
Last month, China and Russia conducted a joint air patrol over the Seas of Japan and East China, which led to South Korea deploying fighter jets as a precautionary measure. This marked the sixth such patrol in the area since 2019.
China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu recently expressed support for enhancing naval cooperation with Russia. Beijing has become Moscow’s most important ally since the beginning of the Ukraine war.
In addition, According to the Chinese Ministry of Defense on Saturday, Russian naval and air forces will participate in the drill in the Sea of Japan.
The Russian warships Gromkiy and Sovershenniy, which are involves in the Sea of Japan drill, had previously conducted separate training with the Chinese navy in Shanghai, focusing on formation movements, communication, and sea rescues.
Before docking in Shanghai, the same warships had sailed past Taiwan and Japan, prompting both Taipei and Tokyo to monitor their movements closely.
