China-Russia joint aerial patrol targets no third parties: spokesperson

A Chinese military spokesperson said Wednesday that a China-Russia joint aerial patrol was a planned cooperation program between the two countries and aimed at no third parties.

The aircraft of the two countries strictly followed the international laws and did not enter the airspace of any other country, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference.

A Tupolev Tu-95MS four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile carrier is seen during a rehearsal for the Victory Day air show marking the 73rd anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-45 Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, on May 4, 2018. [File Photo: VCG/Tass/Mikhail Tereshchenko]

Chinese and Russian air forces held their first joint aerial patrol in Northeast Asia on Tuesday. China sent two H-6K bombers while Russia sent two Tu-95 MS planes to fly on fixed routes, Wu said.

The patrol is expected to strengthen the strategic coordination and joint operation capacity between the two militaries, Wu added.