Russian military to join Chinese naval, air exercises this month

Russian air and naval forces will participate in a Chinese military exercise later this month, China's Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

The ministry said in a news release that, in line with an annual plan and bilateral agreements, Russian forces will join the "North·Joint-2024" exercise in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. The drills aim to deepen strategic collaboration between the two militaries and improve their ability to jointly address security threats, the statement said.

In addition, naval vessels from both nations will conduct their fifth joint patrol in "relevant sea areas of the Pacific Ocean." China will also participate in Russia's "Ocean-2024" strategic exercise.

The ministry did not provide specific dates for the exercises.