China and Russia launch joint naval drills in Sea of Japan
The drills, which started on Sunday near the Russian port of Vladivostok, will last three days. China's defence ministry confirmed the participation of four Chinese warships, including guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, alongside Russian naval vessels. Following the exercises, both nations will conduct joint patrols in the Pacific.
This year's drills aim to strengthen the 'comprehensive strategic partnership' between Beijing and Moscow, according to China's defence ministry. The two countries have held annual joint exercises since 2012, with last year's taking place along China's southern coast.
China has maintained a neutral stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, neither condemning the war nor demanding troop withdrawal. Western nations, including the US, accuse Beijing of supporting Moscow, though China denies providing military aid.
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