Relevant parties should perceive normal defense cooperation between China and Russia objectively and rationally, said Jiang Bin, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Friday.
Jiang made the remarks in response to reports that aircraft and vessels from certain countries repeatedly appeared near the China-Russia "Joint Sea-2025" exercise area, claiming that the drills had clear intentions targeting third parties.
"The China-Russia 'Joint Sea' series of exercises are an institutionalized cooperation program between the two navies, which have run 10 editions successfully since 2012. It has become an important platform for practical military cooperation between the two armies. At present, fleets participating in the joint exercises from both sides have completed scheduled drills on subjects of joint air defense, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine operations, and have now transitioned to joint maritime patrol. China and Russia have always adhered to the principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party in developing their bilateral and military relations, and together play a significant role in safeguarding international and regional peace and stability. We hope relevant parties will perceive China-Russia normal defense cooperation objectively and rationally, and stop making groundless speculations and stop vilifying and hyping it," said Jiang.
Spokesman on China-Russia defense cooperation
