Chinese and Russian troops have engaged in joint exercises in northwestern China in a sign of growing military ties between Moscow and Beijing amid shared concerns over the instability in Afghanistan. The exercise aims to "deepen the joint anti-terrorism operations between the Chinese and Russian militaries and demonstrate the firm determination and strength of the two countries to jointly safeguard international and regional security and stability," Xinhua said, citing Chinese and Russian officials. Strengthening bondsThe Russian military sent several Su-30SM fighters and a motorized infantry unit to take part in the drills. 10:05Russia has backed China in its claims in the South China Sea, over which Beijing clashed with common rival the U.S. on Monday at a high-level UN Security Council meeting on maritime security. China has refused to recognize an international arbitration ruling in 2016 that invalided most of its claims in the South China Sea.

Source: CBC News August 10, 2021 19:41 UTC