Maroc - NEWSDELIVERS.COM - A La Une - 10/Sep 06:50

China Announces Joint Naval, Air Drills with Russia

China's Defense Ministry announced Monday that joint naval and air exercises with Russia will begin this month, underscoring the closeness of the two countries' militaries as Russia continues its massive invasion of Ukraine. The ministry said the “Northern United-2024” drills would take place in the Sea of ​​Japan and the far northern Sea of ​​Okhotsk, but did not provide further details. The ministry said the naval and air drills were aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation between the two and “strengthening their ability to jointly confront security threats.” The notice also said the two navies would sail together in the Pacific. It would be the fifth time the two navies have done so and they will take part in Russia's “Great Ocean-24” exercises. No details were given. China has refused to criticize Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, instead blaming the U.S. and NATO for provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin. While it does not directly provide Russia with weapons, China has become a vital economic lifeline as a major customer for Russian oil and gas and a supplier of electronics and other goods used for civilian and military purposes. Russia and China, along with other US critics …