中 "South Korea and Russia Conduct Joint Naval and Air Force Exercises in the East Sea"

On the 15th, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced that China and Russia will soon conduct joint naval and air force exercises in the central waters of the East Sea.

Through its official WeChat (微信) channel on the same day, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense stated, "According to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, the Russian forces will soon dispatch naval and air capabilities to participate in the 'Northern Joint-2023' exercise organized by the Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the central East Sea (referred to as the 'Sea of Japan' by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense)."

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense added, "The title of this exercise is 'Safeguarding the Security of Strategic Maritime Routes,' and its purpose is to enhance the level of strategic cooperation between the Chinese and Russian militaries, jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and strengthen the ability to respond to various security challenges."

The Chinese state-run Global Times reported that the Chinese naval fleet participating in this exercise, consisting of the guided missile destroyers Qiqihar and Guiyang, the guided missile frigates Zaozhuang and Rizhao, and the comprehensive supply ship Taihu carrying four helicopters, departed from the naval base in Qingdao on the same day.

Amid scrutiny over Russian President Vladimir Putin's wartime control of state affairs, it is analyzed that the two countries aim to demonstrate that there are no issues in their strategic cooperation by conducting joint exercises.

Earlier, from the 5th to the 11th, a Russian Pacific Fleet frigate and others visited Shanghai and conducted joint exercises with the Chinese navy, including formation maneuvers, communications, and maritime search operations.

Prior to that, in early last month, the air forces of both countries conducted the "6th Joint Air Strategic Patrol" over the East Sea, East China Sea, and Western Pacific. During this operation, military aircraft from both countries entered and then exited the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) over the southern and eastern seas of Korea.

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