China and Russia: Naval and Aerial Military Drills in the Sea of Japan

The Chinese Ministry of Defense reported that a naval fleet set sail today, Sunday, to join Russian naval and aerial forces in the Sea of Japan for a joint training aimed at "protecting security in strategic water passages." The Ministry noted that a small Chinese fleet consisting of five warships and four helicopters departed from Qingdao and will rendezvous with Russian forces in a "pre-determined area." The Ministry mentioned on Saturday that Russian naval and aerial forces will participate in the exercises to be held in the Sea of Japan. The "Global Times" newspaper quoted military observers stating, "This will be the first time that Russian naval and aerial forces participate together in drills." The Russian warships Gromkiy and Sovremenny, participating in the new exercises, conducted separate training this month with the Chinese navy in Shanghai on formations, communication, and maritime rescue. Before docking in Shanghai, the two ships passed by Taiwan and Japan, prompting Taipei and Tokyo to monitor and track their movements.