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Missile cruiser »Varyag« (archive photo): Maneuvers in the East China Sea
Photo: Vitaliy Ankov/ dpa
Russia is waging war against Ukraine and is backed by China.
Conversely, Moscow is now demonstrating its support for Beijing off the coast of Japan and Taiwan.
According to military information, Russia and China are planning a multi-day naval maneuver in the East China Sea from Wednesday.
"A convoy of warships of the Pacific Fleet has set sail to participate in the joint Russian-Chinese naval maneuvers Maritime Cooperation-2022," the Russian Ministry of Defense announced in its Telegram channel.
Accordingly, joint firing exercises with rocket and ship artillery are planned.
The flagship of the Pacific Fleet, the missile cruiser Varyag, a frigate and two corvettes are taking part on the Russian side.
In addition, aircraft and helicopters are to be used in the maneuver, which lasts from December 21st to 27th.
In 2005, both sides rehearsed the event of war together for the first time at sea.
The exercises have been held annually since 2012.
China's military provoked
The military maneuver is viewed with suspicion given Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and recent tensions that have arisen over the island of Taiwan claimed by Beijing.
Most recently, the Chinese military in particular had repeatedly provoked in the region.
Among other things, fighter jets repeatedly violated the airspace of Taiwan.
Tensions reached a new high last August when Beijing held large-scale military exercises around the democratically ruled island in protest at a visit by US leader Nancy Pelosi to Taipei.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of the People's Republic, while Taiwan considers itself independent.
At the most recent party congress, Xi Jinping again threatened conquest if the 23 million Taiwanese refused to “unify”.
China is making increasing efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally.
Xi Jinping recently warned the US of a "new Cold War" in the Pacific.
ptz/dpa
