Russia and China to hold joint exercises in the East China Sea

The joint naval exercises of Russia and China “Naval Interaction” will be held from December 21 to 27 in the waters of the East China Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said. transmits TASS.

“During the active part of the exercise, it is planned to conduct joint rocket and artillery firing at air targets, firing artillery at sea targets, as well as practicing joint anti-submarine actions with the practical use of weapons,” the defense ministry said.

A detachment of ships of the Pacific Fleet headed by the missile cruiser “Varyag” left Vladivostok to participate in the exercises. The detachment also includes the frigate “Marshal Shaposhnikov”, the corvettes “Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov” and “Perfect”. The Chinese Navy will be represented by two destroyers, two patrol ships, an integrated supply ship, and a diesel submarine. Aircraft and helicopters of the naval aviation of both countries will also be involved in the exercises.

The purpose of the exercises is to strengthen naval cooperation between Moscow and Washington, as well as to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, the Defense Ministry added.

Russia and China in September agreed on strengthening military and military-technical cooperation between the two countries against the backdrop of concern over US activities. The parties agreed on further cooperation between the military departments with an emphasis on joint exercises and patrols, as well as on strengthening contacts between the General Staffs.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping declaredthat Moscow and Beijing advocate the formation of a multipolar world order “based on international law and the central role of the UN.”