China and Russia are starting joint naval exercises, days after NATO allies called out Beijing as an implementer of war in Ukraine.

BEIJING (AP) — The navies of China and Russia began a joint exercise Sunday at a military port in southern China, the official Xinhua news agency reported. NATO allies called Beijing is a « decisive enabler » of the war. Ukraine.

China's Defense Ministry said in a brief statement that the two sides' forces recently patrolled the western and northern Pacific Ocean, and that the operation had nothing to do with international and regional situations and did not target any third party.

The exercise, which began in Guangdong province on Sunday and is expected to last until mid-July, is aimed at demonstrating the navy's capabilities in addressing security threats and safeguarding peace and stability globally and regionally, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Saturday. Includes anti-missile exercises, sea attacks and air defense.

Chinese and Russian navies conducted military simulation and tactical coordination exercises on the map after the opening ceremony in Zhanjiang city, Xinhua news agency reported.

The joint exercises come against the backdrop of China's latest tensions with NATO allies last week.

A strongly worded final report was endorsed by 32 NATO members at their summit In Washington, China has made it clear that it is becoming the center of a military alliance, inviting Beijing « Decided Driver » of Russia's war against Ukraine. European and North American members and their allies in the Indo-Pacific region There are growing shared security concerns from Russia and its Asian allies, particularly China.

In response, China NATO was blamed Seeking security at the expense of others and told the alliance not to create the same « confusion » in Asia. China's foreign ministry said China has a fair and objective stance on the war in Ukraine.

Last week, a US Coast Guard cutter was on routine patrol in the Bering Sea Several Chinese military vessels were spotted In international waters but within the US exclusive economic zone, US officials said. Its crew found the three vessels approximately 124 miles (200 kilometers) north of Amsitka Pass in the Aleutian Islands, marking a divide and connection between the North Pacific and the Bering Sea.

Later, a fourth vessel was found about 84 miles (135 kilometers) north of Amukta Pass.

According to the US side, Chinese naval vessels operate in accordance with international rules and regulations.