The joint naval exercises, which have been held annually since 2012, will involve firing missiles and artillery in the East China Sea. A group of ships from Russia and China conduct a joint maritime military patrol in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Russia and China will hold joint naval exercises between December 21 and 27, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Monday (19).
The joint naval exercises, which have been held annually since 2012, will involve firing missiles and artillery in the East China Sea, Russia’s Defense Ministry said.
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“The main goal of the exercises is to strengthen naval cooperation between Russia and China and maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Moscow has sought to increase its political, security and economic ties with Beijing and sees Chinese leader Xi Jinping as an important ally in an anti-Western alliance.
The two countries signed a “no-holds-barred” strategic partnership just days before Moscow launched the largest ground invasion in Europe since World War II in February, but Beijing has since expressed concern over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
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Russia said four of its vessels will participate in the exercises – including the missile cruiser Varyag – while six Chinese vessels will take part in the event, along with aircraft and helicopters from both sides.
Russian ships departed on Monday from the Far East port of Vladivostok to take part in the week-long exercises, which begin on Wednesday.
