Russia and China conduct joint military exercises in the Sea of ​​Japan

Russia multiplies the demonstrations of force. After another night of strikes, targeting the port of Odessa, Moscow is launching joint military exercises with China on Thursday, July 20, in the Sea of ​​Japan. These maneuvers must last four days, until Sunday. “The principal objective is to strengthen naval cooperation between Russia and China, to maintain stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region”, says the Russian Ministry of Defense in a press release.

Five Chinese warships, including the guided missile destroyer Qiqihar, maneuver alongside anti-submarine ships and Russian corvettes. Joint artillery fire is also planned.

A cooperation that should be strengthened

In four years, this is the sixth military patrol conducted in the maritime area by Beijing and Moscow. The two powers have also trained in the air: their last joint exercise even prompted South Korea to deploy fighter planes as a preventive measure.

Naval cooperation between the two countries should also be strengthened, according to announcements by the Chinese Minister of Defense in July. Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Beijing has not condemned Moscow’s actions. Moreover, China shares the Kremlin’s desire to counter what the two powers see as American hegemony.