Russia and China will hold joint naval exercises between December 21 and 27, Reuters reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.

The joint drills, which have been held annually since 2012, will include missile and artillery training firings in the East China Sea, the Russian ministry said.

"The main purpose of the exercises is to strengthen naval cooperation between Russia and China and to support peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," his statement added.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Moscow has sought to strengthen its political, security and economic ties with Beijing and considers Chinese leader Xi Jinping a key ally in an anti-Western alliance, Reuters said.

The two countries signed an "unrestricted" strategic partnership agreement just days before Moscow launched its biggest land invasion of Europe since the end of World War II, but Beijing has since expressed concerns about Russian actions in Ukraine.

The SCO countries will hold military exercises in Russia

Russia said four of its ships, including the Varyag missile cruiser, would take part in the drills.

She added that six ships will participate from the Chinese side.

Aircraft and helicopters from both sides will take part in the exercises.

The Russian ships sailed from Vladivostok today, writes BTA.

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