Russia, China Hold Joint Military Exercises in Pacific

BEIJING – Russian and Chinese naval forces began joint exercises in the Pacific, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Beijing said on Sunday (14/7/2024).

The three-day Maritime Joint-2024 exercise was conducted near the Chinese city of Zhanjiang. It will train the navy’s ability to address security threats, maintain international and regional stability, and enhance strategic partnerships.

“The fourth joint maritime patrol in the western and northern Pacific Ocean conducted on Sunday did not target any third party and had nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Two ships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet participated in the annual event, TASS reported on Monday, citing the fleet’s press office.

The crew will conduct air defense exercises involving anti-submarine aircraft flights, as well as supply drops and sea rescue training.

The naval cooperation comes amid rising tensions between China and NATO members.

In a document adopted after last week’s summit in Washington, the US-led bloc accused Beijing of working with Moscow to “undermine and reshape the rules-based international order.”

The NATO communique also claimed China had provided dual-use materials and components to Russian arms manufacturers amid its conflict with Ukraine.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi dismissed the allegations as “groundless,” and stressed that Beijing “has always been a force for peace and stability in the international community.”

Wang urged NATO to focus on dialogue and building “mutual trust,” rather than hurling accusations at Beijing.

The Chinese government has repeatedly rejected Western accusations that the Ukraine conflict is an unprovoked act of Russian aggression. Beijing instead blames NATO’s expansion in Europe as the main cause.

Trade between Russia and China has increased rapidly since Western countries imposed a series of sanctions on Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine, forcing many international companies out of the country.

(she)