Russia has announced on Monday that six of its warships would take part in naval drills with Beijing’s navy beginning this week as Russia and China strengthen their ties under pressure from the West.
In order to “strengthening naval cooperation” between Moscow and Beijing, the Russian defense ministry said that maneuvers would be held in the East China Sea between December 21 and 27.
According to a release, they would involve artillery, live missile firing, and exercises to counter submarines.
“The main goal of the exercises is to strengthen naval cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.”
It stated that China would include two destroyers, patrol ships, supply ships, and submarines.
“Aircraft and helicopters of the navy’s aviation forces of the Pacific Fleet and the People’s Liberation Navy will be involved in the exercise,” the ministry said.
Former Cold War allies with a tumultuous relationship, China and Russia have grown closer recently as part of what they refer to as a “no-limits” alliance working as a counterweight to the supremacy of the United States.
