BEIJING, China – China hosted two Russian warships that had earlier sailed past Taiwan and Japan, and the vessels are expected to hold a joint drill with the Chinese navy during their visit, demonstrating the enduring military cooperation between the two countries.
During their seven-day visit, the ships will conduct naval drills with the Chinese navy in Shanghai, that will include practices on formation movements, communication and sea rescues, according to the report. The passage prompted Japan to dispatch vessels to monitor their movements while Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, deployed an aircraft and also ships to keep watch over their transit.
China and Russia have pledged stronger military ties, and on Monday, China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu met with the head of the Russian navy, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, in Beijing.