Russia and China to hold joint naval drills this week
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The joint naval drills between China and Russia will involve missile and artillery firing in the East China Sea.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MOSCOW - Russia and China will hold joint naval drills from Dec 21 to 27, Russia’s defence ministry said on Monday.
The joint naval exercises, which have taken place annually since 2012, will involve firing of missiles and artillery in the East China Sea, according to the ministry.
It added: “The main purpose of the exercises is to strengthen naval cooperation between Russia and China, and maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Moscow has sought to increase its political, security and economic links with Beijing and sees China’s leader Xi Jinping as a key ally in an anti-West alliance.
The two countries signed a “no limits” strategic partnership
Russia said four of its vessels would take part in the drills – including the Varyag missile cruiser – while six Chinese vessels would take part, along with aircraft and helicopters from both sides.
Russian ships set sail on Monday from the far eastern port of Vladivostok to take part in the week-long exercises, which start on Wednesday. REUTERS
