China and Russia begin joint exercises in the South China Sea
China and Russia have begun naval exercises in the South China Sea, strengthening military and trade ties between the two countries. The opening ceremony of the Russian-Chinese naval exercise “Maritime Cooperation 2024” took place in the Chinese port of Zhanjiang.
During their naval maneuvers, the crews of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet and the Chinese Navy conducted joint air defense exercises and anti-submarine exercises. Russia’s state news agency reported that the Russian and Chinese navies conducted artillery fire as part of joint exercises.
China and Russia declared a borderless partnership in 2022, when President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing just days before sending thousands of troops to Ukraine. China has yet to condemn the invasion of Ukraine and has increased its exports to Russia, helping Moscow keep its war economy afloat.
