Russia is set to send its naval and air forces to participate in joint exercises organized by China in the waters of the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk this September, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday.
China announced the “North-Joint 2024” exercises as a demonstration of strengthening bilateral ties with Russia, raising concerns within NATO. The Western alliance suspects Beijing of being a “mediator” in Moscow’s war against Ukraine, according to AFP.
According to China’s Ministry of Defense, the drills will take place off the coast of Russia and will include joint naval patrols, with Chinese forces also taking part in Russia’s strategic “Ocean-2024” exercises.
“These maneuvers aim to deepen the level of strategic cooperation between Chinese and Russian forces and enhance their ability to jointly respond to security threats,” the ministry stated.
The exact date of the drills has not yet been disclosed. This isn’t the first time the two nations have conducted joint military exercises—similar drills were held in July near the southern Chinese city of Zhanjiang.
In recent years, Russia and China have intensified their military and economic collaboration as they jointly oppose what they describe as “Western hegemony,” particularly U.S. dominance in global affairs.
