The second phase of the Northern/Interaction-2024 joint exercise between China and Russia kicks off with an opening ceremony in a Russian naval port on September 21, 2024. Photo: Screenshot from the social media account of the PLA Navy The ongoing China-Russia joint military exercise has entered its second phase,

As Russia’s military last week launched globe-spanning drills widely seen as a show of strength directed at the United States, President Vladimir Putin made clear which country he sees as standing by Moscow’s side.

Russia and China on Saturday began their joint naval military exercise in the Sea of Japan. "A joint group of warships of the Pacific Fleet and the Chinese Navy sailed from Vladivostok to conduct a joint Russian-Chinese naval exercise Beibu/Interaction - 2024," the press service of the Russian Pacific Fleet said in a statement.

Russia and China are joining forces in a new series of military exercises, highlighting the growing strategic cooperation between the two countries.

China has announced that it will conduct joint military exercises with Russia later this month. Beijing confirmed that its objective is to "advance bilateral cooperation" between the countries. NATO is increasingly accusing China of supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Chinese state media said the drills, named Northern/Interaction-2024, aim to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries and strengthen their ability to respond to security threats.

China Coast Guard ships Meishan and Xiushan have arrived in Russia's Far East port of Vladivostok to conduct joint exercises and patrols with their Russian counterparts, RIA state news agency reported on Tuesday.

China's Defense Ministry has announced joint naval and air drills with Russia starting this month, underscoring the closeness between their militaries as Russia presses its grinding invasion of Ukraine.