Russia, China conduct joint patrols in Pacific as Putin & Xi hold summit in Uzbekistan

Russia and China have conducted joint military patrols in Pacific Ocean for a second time, confirmed  Russian Defense Ministry on Thursday. " mission is designed to strengn naval cooperation between Russia and China to uphold peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region," said ministry.  joint patrol comes just before meeting of Russian President Vlimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will be attending a two-day summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held a meet in Uzbekistan on Thursday.

Notably, this is for second time that Russia and China have come toger to conduct joint patrols. first joint military drills were held in October last year in Sea of Japan. 

Why joint drill is being conducted?

According to statement released by Russian Defense Ministry, "combat ships of naval branches of Russia and China conduct second joint policing in Pacific Ocean within implementation of international cooperation program." statement furr said, " crews are to carry out joint tactical manoeuvres and to organise communications within ships, to conduct exercises with live artillery shooting, as well as to support flights of shipborne helicopters," it ded.

Russian defence ministry stated that this joint drill is also conducted to monitor water area as well as to protect facilities of economic activity between Russia and China. "Policing is aimed at consolidating naval cooperation between Russian Federation and People's Republic of China, maintaining peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region, monitoring water area, as well as protecting facilities of economic activity of Russia and China. Russian Navy is represented by a detachment of ships from Pacific Fleet: Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate, Aldar Tsydenzhapov, Sovershenny, and Gromky corvettes, as well as Pechenga sea tanker. " Chinese Navy has involved Nian Chang destroyer, Yancheng patrol ship, and Dun Ping Hu comprehensive supply ship," re  statement released by Russian Defence Ministry.

" first joint policing of Russian and Chinese ships was conducted from October 17 to 23, 2021. group passed Sangar Strait; servicemen carried out various pieces of training and overcame a total of more than 1,700 nautical miles," it ded.

(Image: AP/ Representative)