China and Russia Grow Closer, Conduct Joint Military Exercises

Biden Flaunts Friendship with Joint Military Training Statement... Deploys 6 Strategic Bombers
Chinese Military Expert: "China-Russia Joint Military Exercises Will Increase Further"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China and Russia conducted joint military exercises, reported the Chinese state-run Global Times on the 23rd.

The joint exercises, held one month before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden, involved four Chinese H-6 bombers and two Russian Tu-95 bombers.

The defense ministries of China and Russia issued a joint statement the day before, announcing that their air forces conducted the 2nd joint air strategic exercise in the Asia-Pacific region. This is the first joint statement regarding joint exercises between the two countries since July 2019. At that time, China deployed two H-6 bombers and Russia deployed two Tu-95 bombers for joint exercises over the East China Sea.

Chinese strategic bomber (Photo by Baidu capture)

Regarding the joint exercises, the Chinese and Russian defense ministries emphasized that "the exercises aim to enhance the level of strategic cooperation and joint operational capabilities of the two militaries, contributing to global strategic stability," and stressed that they are not targeted at any third party.

However, there is analysis that the large-scale joint exercises conducted by China and Russia at the end of the year are intended to shake US allies ahead of the Biden administration's inauguration.

Chinese aviation military expert Pu Qianshao said, "China has doubled the number of bombers in joint exercises with Russia this year," adding, "In the future, joint military exercises with Russia will be conducted, involving many other types of aircraft such as aerial refueling tankers."

He added that through joint military exercises with Russia, China aims to improve combat capabilities in international waters and protect maritime interests as well as national and regional security.

The Global Times evaluated that if the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia further develops, the level of strategic cooperation and joint operational capabilities of their militaries will be aimed at protecting China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.