Chinese and Russian warships patrol Pacific waters. Source: Reuters
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  • Russia and China had their first combined patrol of the West Pacific ocean this weekend
  • Earlier this month, the countries cruised through Tsugaru Strait, the area between the main and north island of Japan
  • Beijing says the partnership was created to “jointly maintain international and regional strategic stability”

Russia and China had their first combined warship patrol of the West Pacific ocean this weekend.

According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of National Defence, the working relationships between Russia and China are for the betterment of their partnership.

“This joint maritime cruise is within the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, and not aimed at any third party.”

As their relationships with the West continue to sour, the two countries have grown closer in the past few years.

Earlier this month, the countries cruised through Tsugaru Strait, the area between the main and north island of Japan.

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed 10 ships sailed through the region.

According to Beijing, the joint maritime cruise “strictly abided by the provisions of international law and didn’t enter the territorial waters of other countries during the joint cruise.”

Beijing also said the partnership was created to “jointly maintain international and regional strategic stability.”

Moscow said the partnership aimed to maintain peace in the region.

“The tasks of the patrols were the demonstration of the Russian and Chinese state flags, maintaining of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and guardianship of the subjects of maritime economic activities of the two countries.”

As allies of similar governance, nuclear missions and political affiliations, it is no shock President Vladamir Putin said Russia’s relationship with China was “at the highest level in history.”

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