China: Two Russian navy ships, the frigates Gromkiy and Sovershenniy from the Pacific Fleet, have arrived in Shanghai for the first port visit to China in three years.

The visit highlights the strong relationship between the two countries despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Upon their arrival, the ships were greeted by Chinese sailors dressed in parade uniforms, holding placards to welcome them. The vessels, based in Vladivostok, will stay in China until 11th July 2023 and are expected to participate in joint drills with the Chinese navy focusing on ship-to-ship communications, formation maneuvering, and maritime search and rescue.

Mr. Dmitry Lukyantsev, a representative of the Shanghai Committee for Foreign Affairs and Russia’s consul general in Shanghai, emphasized the significance of the visit, stating that it symbolizes the close cooperation between the two states in various spheres, including the military and political arenas.

Earlier this month, the same Russian ships passed through waters near Taiwan and sailed past Japan’s Okinawa Islands, where the US maintains a major military base. The military cooperation between China and Russia underscores their informal alliance, which has remained strong despite the conflict in Ukraine. China, although having close ties with Ukraine, has refrained from explicitly condemning Russia’s invasion, maintaining a neutral stance and working towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

The naval visit follows a meeting in Beijing between China’s Minister of National Defence,Mr.  Li Shangfu, and the head of Russia’s navy, Admiral Mr. Nikolai Yevmenov. This marks the first formal military talks between the two countries since a brief mutiny by the Russian mercenary group Wagner in late June 2023. China has expressed continued support to Russia following the incident, and both sides have expressed a desire for increased exchanges, joint exercises, and other forms of cooperation to enhance defense ties.

China boasts the world’s largest navy in terms of the number of vessels and surpasses Russia not only in size but also in technical capabilities. The visit of the Russian navy ships to Shanghai serves as a testament to the ongoing collaboration and interaction between the Chinese and Russian navies.

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