This is the second such exercise between China and Russia but far from it being a response to the exercises carried out last month between the US and Japanese navies off San Diego, I'm wondering if it is the beginning of a build up of pressure on Japan and the Phillipines by China over claims they have with both in the East China and South China Sea.
Don't mean to come across as paranoid because all parties have a right to carry out exercises with any party they choose...I simply never thought I'd see Russia and China so close.
Quote:
China and Russia are beginning joint naval drills which Beijing has described as the country's largest with a foreign partner.
The drills, which are taking place in the Sea of Japan, last from 5-12 July.
People's Liberation Army chief Gen Fang Fenghui said on Tuesday the drills did not "target any third parties", but aimed to deepen ties with Russia.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-23159442
Here's an interesting table showing the current military balance of the above and a few others:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16428133
I was surprised at the amount the UK spend when compared to that spent by Russia....assuming the figures are accurate of course.