After curbing arms transfers and cooling military ties more than a decade ago, China and Russia are increasing joint exercises and stepping up sales of advanced weaponry to counter the US.
The most recent military maneuvers took place in the South China Sea in September. Ten Chinese warships and two submarines joined three Russian vessels in large-scale exercises that included drills in capturing islands.
The maneuvers coincided with an international court ruling that challenged Beijing’s vast maritime claim over 90% of the strategic waterway. It was the first time China has conducted naval exercises in the sea with a foreign military.
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