UPDATES WITH START OF JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE, REMARKS FROM RUSSIAN PRESIDENT; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE
By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) - Russian and Chinese warships began a major joint naval exercise on Tuesday.
According to a Russian Defense Ministry statement, 400 warships, submarines, and support vessels will participate in the strategic command and staff exercise Ocean-2024.
It said the drills will be conducted across the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas.
"The exercises will involve more than 400 warships, submarines, and support vessels from the auxiliary fleet, alongside over 120 aircraft and helicopters from the naval aviation and Aerospace Forces. The operation will also feature approximately 7,000 units of military and special equipment, and over 90,000 personnel," the statement noted.
It will also include operational groups from various law enforcement and federal executive agencies, such as the Internal Affairs Ministry, the Emergency Situations Ministry, the Federal Security Service, the Federal National Guard Service, and the Federal Security Service of Russia.
Speaking via video conference at the start of the active phase of the Ocean-2024 drills, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the exercise "the largest naval drills in 30 years."
"Ships and aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army are participating in practical maneuvers, and representatives from 15 countries have been invited as observers," Putin noted.
According to the president, the main objective of the exercise is to thoroughly assess the combat readiness of naval and aerospace forces, while also evaluating the coordination between command structures, units, and formations.
Putin emphasized the importance of strengthening military cooperation with friendly states, particularly in light of the rising geopolitical tensions around the world.
According to him, the US and its allies have "openly declared" plans to deploy medium- and short-range missiles in "forward zones," targeting islands in the western Pacific and other Asia-Pacific countries as key locations.
Additionally, he said that US forces are already working on the transfer and deployment of advanced missile systems in the Asia-Pacific region.
"With its aggressive actions, the US aims to secure a significant military advantage, undermining the security architecture and balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region," Putin stated.
"This arms race is being provoked without regard for the safety of its European and Asian allies, setting the stage for a potential crisis in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific," he said.
He stressed that Russia "must be prepared for any situation" and that its armed forces must ensure the defense of the nation's sovereignty and interests, including in ocean and sea zones.
"I want to stress that we will continue strengthening our Navy, including its strategic nuclear component," Putin added.
The exercises are set to continue until Sept. 16.