China prepares for naval drills with Russia in sign of continuing support

The exercise involves more than 10 ships and 30-plus aircraft, according to China’s Xinhua News Agency (Basilio Sepe/AP)

China has said it has dispatched navy ships in preparation for joint exercises with Russia’s sea forces, in a sign of Beijing’s continuing support for Moscow’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

The move comes despite the growing economic and humanitarian repercussions of the 16-month-old air, sea and ground assault.