The Russian and Chinese Air Forces conducted a joint military exercise in the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian Defence Ministry said on 30 November.

“The Russian Air Force and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Forces carried out another joint air patrol in the Asia-Pacific region” the ministry said in a statement. According to the statement, the Russian strategic missile carriers Tu-95 and the Chinese Xian H-6 flew over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea for eight hours. Putin is trying to strengthen his ties with Asia, especially with China. “For the first time in the history of air patrols, Russian planes landed in the People’s Republic of China, and Chinese planes landed on the territory of the Russian Federation,” the ministry said. In the statement, it was emphasized that the exercises were in accordance with international law and were not aimed at third countries.

Moscow aims to forge common ground with Beijing, as both have goals to transcend the US-led global order. China did not condemn Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, but refused to supply arms to Moscow, despite friendship. The Asia-Pacific region is a strategic region for the USA, China and Russia. The United States has had to balance its efforts in Ukraine, where it wants to counter Russia’s actions, and in Asia, where it wants to deter China, such as Taiwan. Amidst fierce competition, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Joe Biden at the G20 summit two weeks ago, and they pledged to reduce the rhetoric between the two powers and work to bridge the gap.