Russia, China kick off joint naval drills

Russia and China have started joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan as the two allies seek to deepen their military cooperation. The Russian defence ministry said the main goal of the exercises is to "strengthen naval cooperation" between the two countries and "maintain stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region".

More than 30 navy aircraft are involved in the drills from both sides, including anti-submarine aircraft, helicopters and interceptors. China and Russia carried out a joint air patrol over the Seas of Japan and East China last month. It was the sixth such China-Russia patrol in the area since 2019.