MOSCOW, December 14. /TASS/. The Russian Aerospace Forces and the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army of China have conducted a joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"On December 14, 2023, the Russian Aerospace Forces and the PLA Air Force conducted another joint air patrol in the Asia-Pacific Region. The air group consisting of Tupolev-95MS strategic bombers and Hong-6K strategic bombers carried out an air patrol over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea. Escort fighter jets Sukhoi-35S of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Su-30/Jian-11B of the Chinese Air Force provided support along the route," the Defense Ministry said.

At certain stages of the route the strategic bombers were escorted by fighters of other countries.

"In performing their tasks, the aircraft of both countries acted strictly in accordance with international law. There were no violations of the airspace of other countries. Upon completion of joint air patrolling all aircraft returned to base. The patrol was carried out within the framework of the military cooperation plan for 2023 and was not directed against third countries, the Defense Ministry added.