China and Russia prepare for Pacific Rim navy drill in US, Japan and South Korea’s wake

It is the fourth joint maritime patrol between the two countries in the Pacific Rim.

Russia’s Tass news agency said the Chinese naval group included the destroyer Yinchuan, the frigate Hengshui and the replenishment ship Weishanhu.

Sailors from both countries would hold a ceremony to celebrate their encounters and used radios to exchange greetings at the meeting point near Jeju Island, it said.

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The announcement follows the conclusion on Saturday of a three-day multidomain exercise also near Jeju Island between the United States, Japan and South Korea.

The “Freedom Edge” drill is the first between the two countries to encompass air, maritime, cyber and underwater activities.

Washington is seeking to boost cooperation with its two Asian allies, Seoul and Tokyo, building on a security deal struck at Camp David last year in response to increasing Chinese and North Korean military activity in the Asia-Pacific.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said last month that the trilateral drill would “intensify conflicts and undermine the strategic security and interests of other countries” in the region.

China and Russia have also been improving their military ties in recent years as their relations with the US-led West have unravelled.

Earlier this week, China and Russia held a joint drill to combat cross-border terrorism. It came about a month after the Russian and Chinese presidents met in Beijing and agreed to improve cooperation on defence and law enforcement – including expanding joint training and exercises.

In March, China and Russia held a maritime drill with Iran on combating piracy. Last July, they held joint naval and air drills in the Sea of Japan, or East Sea.

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