Russia and China begin joint naval drills 

On Thursday, Russia said that it had started joint naval drills with China in the Sea of Japan as the two allies seek to deepen their military alliance.

Since Russia launched its offensive attack on Ukraine, China has not confirmed it and the ties between Moscow and Beijing have grown stronger. 

The Russian defense ministry said the main goal of the exercises that will run until Sunday is to “strengthen naval cooperation” between the two countries and “maintain stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region”.

The drills will include “anti-submarine missions and naval combat” and the sea and air escort of ships, the ministry said, adding there are also plans “to carry out joint artillery fire”.

The Russian navy is represented by two anti-submarine ships, two corvettes as well as auxiliary ships, the ministry said.

Beijing said on Sunday it was sending five warships, including a guided-missile destroyer.

More than 30 navy aircraft are involved in the drills from both sides, including anti-submarine aircraft, helicopters, and interceptors, the Russian ministry said.

China and Russia carried out a joint air patrol over the Seas of Japan and East China last month, which prompted South Korea to deploy fighter jets as a precaution.

It was the sixth such China-Russia patrol in the area since 2019.