Reuters reports that Russia and China are working together to conduct joint air-sea exercises in the Sea of Japan on Sunday.
The Chinese naval fleet has reportedly set sail to join Russian naval vessels and the Kremlin air base to conduct exercises in the Sea of Japan as part of their mutual interest in “protecting the security of the strategic waterway.” It is reported that reportciting a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Defense.
China, Russia launch joint air and sea exercises in Sea of Japanhttps://t.co/0woQ4xY3mQ
— ✞Watchmans Post✞ (@WatchmansPost) July 16, 2023
China sent a total of five warships and four ship-based helicopters to join the Russian military. The joint operation is codenamed North/Interaction-2023.
⚠️⚠️ China and Russia begin joint military exercises.
A Chinese fleet of five warships and four naval helicopters would intercept the invader’s ships in the Sea of Japan. The code name of the exercise is “North/Interaction-2023”. They are said to be aiming to expand…—GeoInsider (@InsiderGeo) July 16, 2023
It will be the sixth time since 2019 that Russian and Chinese troops will patrol the region, according to reports. Moscow Times. (Related: Exclusive: Chinese military trains kindergarteners for war in boot camps across the country)
The weekend’s exercises will mark the first time that both Russia’s air force and navy will engage China’s naval defense forces bilaterally.
The Chinese and Russian navies have been working together on a regular basis lately. Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard unexpectedly discovered joint exercises conducted by both forces in Bering Sea waters less than 160 miles off the coast of Alaska.
Reuters reported that in February 2022, the Russian and Chinese governments agreed to a strategic partnership aimed at “countering US influence.” (Related: American music manager arrested, detained in Russia on drug charges)
According to another report, the two countries said in a joint press release that “the friendship between the two countries knows no bounds and there are no ‘forbidden’ areas of cooperation.” Reuters report.
China and Russia have strengthened their partnership since the start of the Ukraine war, saying there is “no limit” to it.
