Russia and China patrol with 11 warships near Alaska
The US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) announced that Russia and China conducted a joint military patrol near the US state of Alaska. The command stated that the patrol was organized in international waters. A US official said the fleet of 11 ships was being closely monitored by 4 US destroyers and 1 P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Russia and China reportedly conducted a patrol with 11 warships near US territorial waters. According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), NORTHCOM said in a statement that the patrol by China and Russia remained in international waters and was not considered a threat by the US.
NORTHCOM noted that US-led air and naval assets are conducting joint operations to ensure the defense of the region.
WSJ, citing a US official, reported that during the patrol in international waters near Alaska, the fleet of 11 Chinese and Russian vessels was closely monitored by four US destroyers and one P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. These data were not confirmed by NORTHCOM.
COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINESE AND RUSSIAN ARMIES
"In line with the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, the navies of the two countries recently conducted joint patrols in the northern and western Pacific Ocean. This action did not target any third party," the statement said.
The Russian Defense Ministry also confirmed the joint patrol with China in a statement, announcing that the two countries' fleets conducted communication, helicopter landing and take-off drills on deck areas and anti-submarine drills.
Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM), said at the Aspen Security Forum last month, "(Chinese and Russian joint) military exercises and operations have increased. I foresee that their cooperation will get stronger and this is worrying."
Source: Anadolu Agency
