In the Russian Far East, large-scale military exercises have begun, involving several allies of Moscow, most notably China.
The maneuvers, dubbed "Vostok-2022", are being held from September 1 to 7 in the Russian Far East, with the participation of more than 50,000 soldiers representing forces from several countries such as China, Belarus, Syria and India.
More than 5,000 units of weapons and military equipment, including 140 fighters and 60 warships, will also participate in the maneuvers.
The Russian Defense Ministry said that more than 50 naval vessels had arrived at the maneuvers in the "Japan" and "Okhotsk" navies.
The ministry added that the naval training activities include shooting artillery and missiles at naval and air targets, repelling the air attack, searching for and destroying enemy submarines, and confronting the landing of enemy forces on the islands.
land, sea and air
For the first time, China will participate in the exercises with its naval, air and land forces simultaneously.
Chinese media revealed that Beijing sent its most powerful military equipment to the "Vostok-2022" maneuvers, and explained that this step confirms the depth of Russian-Chinese military cooperation.
The Associated Press said that these exercises highlight the growing military cooperation between Russia and China in the midst of tension with the United States, noting that Russia also wants to show its ability to mobilize large forces even if it is involved in the war in Ukraine.
In conjunction with these exercises, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "We are developing our necessary military capabilities to defend our legitimate security interests and adhere to a defense policy."
She added that China firmly rejects any country's use of freedom of navigation as a pretext to undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security, referring to the US military moves around Taiwan and in the South China Sea.