Russia is flexing its military muscles over the Christmas holidays. Together with China, the emergency is being rehearsed in the East China Sea. This brings the two countries closer together.
Russia has announced joint naval maneuvers with China. Several Russian warships would take part in the maneuvers, which are scheduled to take place in the East China Sea between Wednesday and December 27, the Russian Defense Ministry said. The main objectives of the exercises are to "strengthen naval cooperation" between Russia and China and "maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region."
The Russian Ministry of Defense also said that the exercises would also include the firing of rockets, artillery and the defense against submarines. According to the information, Russia wants to use a missile cruiser, a frigate and two corvettes.
China will bring in two destroyers, two patrol ships, a support ship and a submarine. As the Russian Ministry of Defense further announced, planes and helicopters from both countries are also to be used.
Both countries have come closer in recent years. Especially since the start of its military offensive in Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions imposed by the West, Moscow has been trying to strengthen its relations with Asian countries.
In 2005, both sides rehearsed the event of war together for the first time at sea. The exercises have been held annually since 2012. Russia and China had already carried out joint military maneuvers at the end of November. In light of the war in Ukraine and the recent tensions that have arisen over the island of Taiwan claimed by Beijing, the military maneuvers are viewed with suspicion by those living nearby.
