Russia and China conclude joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan

(Patria) - Russia and China have concluded their joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced, as the two allies seek to deepen their military ties.

The two countries, which share a common desire to counter what they see as American hegemony, have grown closer in the military sphere since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine last year, which China has not condemned, AFP reports.

The Russian Ministry of Defense previously announced that the main goal of the latest exercises, which began on Thursday, was to "strengthen naval cooperation" between the two countries and "maintain stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region".

"Joint Russian-Chinese naval exercises... were completed in the Sea of Japan," the Russian military confirmed in a statement on Sunday. "About twenty combat exercises were carried out... including joint artillery fire on naval, coastal, and air targets," the military said.

The Russian Navy was represented by two anti-submarine ships, two corvettes, as well as auxiliary ships, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Last weekend, Beijing announced that it was sending five warships, including a guided-missile destroyer. Naval aircraft were also involved. To strengthen their coordination, China and Russia have organized several military exercises in recent months.