Russia to hold large-scale joint military exercises with China and other countries

Russia said on Monday it would launch a full-scale military exercise in the country’s east that will involve troops from China – a sign of growing military ties between Moscow and Beijing at a time of tension between the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine and the West close.

More than 50,000 soldiers and about 5,000 weapons units, including 140 aircraft, will take part in the East 2022 exercise, which will be held at various locations in the Russian Far East and Sea of ​​Japan from September 1 to 7, the Russian Defense Ministry said. and 60 warships.

The exercises will take place at seven firing ranges in the Russian Far East and will involve troops from several former Soviet countries, China, India, Laos, Mongolia, Nicaragua and Syria.

The ministry said that Russian airborne troops, long-range bombers and military cargo planes will participate in the exercise along with other troops.

It noted that as part of the exercise, the Russian and Chinese navies in the Sea of ​​Japan will “take joint actions to protect maritime communications, areas of marine economic activity and support ground forces in coastal areas”.

The exercises reflect a growing defense relationship between Moscow and Beijing, which has grown stronger since Russia sent troops to Ukraine on February 24.

China has explicitly refused to criticize Russia’s actions, accusing the United States and NATO of provoking Moscow and slamming punitive sanctions on Moscow.

In turn, Russia has also strongly supported China amid tensions with the United States following a recent visit to Taiwan by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

In a speech earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin compared U.S. support for Ukraine to Ms Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan, accusing both of being part of an alleged U.S. effort to stoke global instability. .

Russia and China have held a series of joint military exercises in recent years, including naval exercises and long-range bomber patrols in the Sea of ​​Japan and the East China Sea.

Last year, Russian troops deployed to Chinese territory for the first time for joint exercises.

Although Moscow and Beijing have rejected the possibility of a military alliance in the past, Putin said it could not be ruled out.

He also noted that Russia has been sharing highly sensitive military technology with China, which has helped significantly enhance its defense capabilities.