China and Russia conducted joint naval exercises following recent accusations from NATO.

China and Russia are holding joint naval drills at a military port in southern China, amid rising tensions with the US-led NATO alliance.

The “Joint Sea-2024” exercises began in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province on Sunday (July 14) and will continue until mid-July.

According to the Chinese defense ministry, the exercises aim to “demonstrate the resolve and capabilities of the two sides in jointly addressing maritime security threats and preserving global and regional peace and stability.” The ministry added that the drills will “further deepen the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.”

State broadcaster CCTV reported that the drills will include anti-missile exercises, sea strikes, and air defense. Xinhua News Agency added that naval forces from both countries conducted on-map military simulations and tactical coordination exercises after the opening ceremony in Zhanjiang.

These exercises were announced following the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington, where the alliance’s communiqué labeled Beijing a “decisive enabler” of Russia in the war in Ukraine. NATO criticized China’s partnership with Russia and its support for Russia’s defense industry.

Moscow has accused Western countries of fueling the war in Ukraine with their delivery of weapons to Kiev, warning that such actions will only prolong the conflict. Beijing responded by saying that NATO’s accusations regarding China’s role in the Ukraine issue are unreasonable and motivated by ulterior motives. Spokesperson Lin Jian urged NATO to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs and to avoid creating chaos in the Asia-Pacific region after causing turmoil in Europe.