Russian fleet maneuvers in Pacific as Chinese defense minister visits Moscow
In this photo from a video released by the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense on Friday, April 14, 2023, a Russian nuclear submarine leaves to participate in Pacific Fleet exercises near Vladivostok, Russia. AP
Text by: Anissa El Jabri Follow
1 min
Are these two ads related? Impossible to know, but their concomitance is noticed. Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu said on Friday, April 14 in a statement that he will visit Russia this Sunday, April 16 for a 3-day official visit at the invitation of his Russian counterpart. Sergei Shoigu also announced on Friday the alert and surprise maneuvers of the Russian fleet in the Pacific.
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From our correspondent in Moscow,
The Russian Pacific Fleet had already demonstrated its capabilities last September. It was the period of military maneuvers. "Vostok 2022" in the midst of the conflict in Ukraine had been maintained. It is the same Pacific Fleet, based in Vladivostok that will train.
The order was given by President Vladimir Putin, his defense minister said. Troops must practice in "near and far" sea areas.
Last September, the exercises took place in areas close to Japan. "Defensive exercises", the Russian army said at the time and this time the description refers to the same type of exercises. These are, according to the Minister of Defense, "training to repel massive air attacks", "searching for and destroying submarines", and "firing torpedoes, cannon and missiles".
In short, a surprise training perhaps, but "routine", said the Kremlin. According to his spokesman, "the practice of unannounced inspections has become habitual in recent years".
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