Russia’s defense ministry announced on Thursday that its forces started joint naval drills with China in the Sea of Japan.
The four-day drills will take place until Sunday as scheduled, according to the ministry. They are designed to boost cooperation between the two countries’ navies and maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
From the Russian side, destroyers and corvettes of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet are reportedly joining the drills. More than 30 aircraft, including bombers, are taking part from the two sides.
The program is said to include battle drills using warships and joint artillery exercises.
Observers indicate that the joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan are apparently aimed at keeping the US and Japan in check.
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said over 80% of trade between Russia and China is conducted in the Russian ruble and the Chinese yuan.
Putin noted that the level of trade between Russia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries had increased over the past year.
Speaking at the SCO Heads of State Council summit, Putin stated: “Over 80% of trade transactions between Russia and the People’s Republic of China are already conducted in rubles and yuan.”
He highlighted that Russia’s trade with SCO member states has increased by more than one-third over the past year, reaching a record high of $263 billion.
