China and Russia have started joint large-scale naval exercises
17.07.2023 - 10:00
Photo: Chinese destroyer Qiqihar, illustrative.
China and Russia have started large-scale naval and air force military exercises in the Sea of Japan.
On July 15, the ships of the Chinese Navy participating in the exercise left the port in Qingdao and went to the place of the exercise, the Ministry of Defense of the People’s Republic of China reported reported.
The purpose of the “Northern United-2023” exercises is declared to be “security protection of strategic waterways.”
In the exercises, the Chinese navy formation consists of five ships, including the guided-missile destroyers Qiqihar and Guiyang, the guided-missile frigates Zaozhuang and Rizhao, and the integrated supply ship Taihu with four naval helicopters. All five ships have repeatedly performed major missions.
Combat aircraft of the Air Force of the People’s Republic of China (fighters, attack aircraft and one KJ-500 early warning and control aircraft) flew to the airfields of the Russian Far East. From there, they will join the ship group in carrying out training tasks.
The exercise is being conducted by the Northern Operational Command of the Chinese Army for the first time, and it is also the first time that the Russian Navy and Air Force, which previously trained separately with the PRC, are simultaneously involved.
The exercises mark the strengthening of military cooperation between China and Russia against the background of Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine and China’s refusal to restore military communications with the United States.
