China, Russia joint naval exercises routine drill, ministry says

The recent joint naval exercises by China and Russia in the Gulf of Finland were part of routine military cooperation and complied with international law and standards, said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, on Friday.

The exercises were neither aimed at any specific targets nor related to current regional situations, he noted.

The exercises, held to mark the 328th anniversary of the Russian Navy, involved Chinese naval vessels Jiaozuo and Honghu alongside Russian ships. The navy warship Jiaozuo, in coordination with Russian frigates, participated in activities such as light weapons firing, naval replenishment, and joint search and rescue operations.

The navy warship Honghu, meanwhile, conducted patrols and surveillance in the surrounding waters with Russian landing ships.

Zhang's remarks came in response to questions about whether the exercises were meant to demonstrate military strength or send a message to NATO.