China says to hold military drills with Russia this month
China said Monday it would hold joint military exercises with Russia this month, as the allies deepen ties that have seen NATO dub Beijing an 'enabler' of Moscow's war in Ukraine.
The exercises, titled 'North-Joint 2024,' will involve naval and air forces operating in the skies and waters around the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, near Russia's coast, according to China's defense ministry.
The ministry stated that the drills are intended to 'deepen the strategic cooperation' between the Chinese and Russian militaries and to enhance their ability to jointly respond to security threats.
Both countries will deploy naval fleets to the 'relevant sea areas of the Pacific Ocean' for a joint maritime patrol. Additionally, China will participate in Russia's 'Ocean-2024' strategic exercise, although the exact dates for these drills have not been disclosed.
This announcement follows joint drills held by the two nations in July, which took place in the waters and airspace near Zhanjiang, a city in southern China's Guangdong province.
In recent years, China and Russia have strengthened their military and economic ties, united by a shared opposition to what they perceive as 'Western hegemony,' particularly the influence of the United States on global affairs.
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