Russia, China complete joint naval drills in East China Sea

The Russian-Chinese exercise, Naval Interaction 2022, has been completed in the East China Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on December 28.

"Naval task forces of the [Russian] Pacific Fleet and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy have completed their tasks for the bilateral ‘Naval Interaction’ exercise in the East China Sea," the ministry said, according to TASS.

During the drills, Russian and Chinese crews performed an operation to free a seized vessel and practiced maritime search and rescue efforts. They also carried out a communications exercise.

Besides, ships from the two countries, supported by anti-submarine aircraft, have located a notional enemy’s submarine and destroyed it with rocket-propelled depth charges.

They also live-fired artillery rounds at a target imitating a surface ship and used anti-aircraft missiles against aerial targets.

"Overall, more than 10 combat exercises were held during the drills," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The Joint Sea 2022 Russia-China naval manoeuvres ran in the East China Sea on December 21-27. The Russian naval group was headed by the Pacific Fleet flagship, Order of Nakhimov Guards missile cruiser Varyag, while the Chinese task force was led by the destroyer Jinan.

The Russian warships participating in the Joint Sea 2022 exercise also included the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, the Project 20380 corvettes Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and Sovershenny.

The Chinese naval task force was represented by the destroyers Jinan and Baotou, the frigates Binzhou and Yancheng, a comprehensive supply ship and a diesel submarine.