Chinese J-20 fighters

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that strategic bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Chinese Air Force conducted joint patrols over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.

In a statement, the Russian Ministry said that "on November 30, 2022, the Aerospace Forces of Russia and the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army [PLA] of China conducted another joint air patrol in the Asia-Pacific region."

"An air group consisting of Tu-95ms strategic missile carriers of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Hong-6k strategic bombers of the PLA Air Force carried out air patrols over the waters of the Japan and East China Seas," the statement indicated.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the flight of the Russian bombers lasted for about eight hours and the aircraft were escorted by Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The statement noted that the aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces landed for the first time at a Chinese airfield as part of the joint air patrols with the Chinese Air Force.

"At certain stages of the route, strategic missile carriers were accompanied by fighters of foreign states," it added.

Russia-China joint air patrols not directed against 3rd states

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the joint air patrols of Russia and China in the Asia-Pacific are not directed against third countries.

"While performing tasks, the aircraft of both countries acted strictly in accordance with the provisions of international law. There were no violations of the airspace of foreign states," the statement pointed out, explaining that "the event was held as part of the implementation of the provisions of the military cooperation plan for 2022 and was not directed against third countries."

Russia-China relations are "rock solid"

It is noteworthy that in mid-November, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian stressed that relations between Russia and China are "rock solid", beneficial to both parties, and based on respect and trust.

Zhao pointed out that a high degree of trust between the two nations is a key component of the long-term, healthy, and sustainable development of relations between Russia and China.

Moscow's Security Council announced in mid-September that Russia and China agreed to deepen defense cooperation with a focus on holding joint exercises.

In early September, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin told a news briefing for foreign military attachés that Russia and China have practiced joint operations by warships and aircraft during the Vostok-2022 strategic command and staff exercise.

In August of last year, Russia and China conducted joint military exercises in north-central China which included over 10,000 troops. Sergei Shoigu, Russia's Defense Minister, hailed the Sibu/Cooperation-2021 drills in China's Ningxia and suggested they be expanded.

Russia and China conducted joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan in October 2021. A few days later, Russian and Chinese warships conducted their first joint patrols in the western Pacific.