Today, China and Russia began significant military exercises in the East China Sea, a day after the US and South Korea staged massive drills further north.

Iran PressAsia: The joint operations underline the build-up of rival armed camps in the Pacific and take place in waters between China, Taiwan, and Japan.

Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping told the Global Times that following previous exercises in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, the countries’ navies were extending their mutual knowledge of different sea areas to maximize their ability to respond to threats.

But the location highlights recent tensions arising from Japan’s announced doubling of its military budget and development of offensive strike capabilities, as well as flare-ups earlier this year over Taiwan prompted by a provocative visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a subsequent visit by British MPs.

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