Key Facts

• The Chinese naval group, Task Force 83, includes the training ship Qi Jiguang and the amphibious ship Kunlunshan.
• The visit was invited by the Russian Navy and lasted four days.
• China supports Russia’s economy through trade, including buying discounted Russian oil and gas.
• China and Russia agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, energy, and technology during a recent meeting between President Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
• The Chinese sailors will exchange experience with Russian naval officers during this visit.
• Russia and China have increased joint military exercises, including their first joint submarine drill recently.
• The U.S. Coast Guard and allies like Japan and South Korea are worried about increased Chinese and Russian military activity near U.S. territories.
• China and Russia do not have a formal military alliance but work together to challenge U.S. military influence globally.