Russia and China join forces to send US message

Published on 18/08/2005 12:29

RUSSIA and China today launched unprecedented joint military exercises involving air, sea and land forces, aimed at sending a message to the United States about their growing influence.

The eight days of war games also present a commercial opportunity for Russia, China's biggest supplier of arms and weapons technology, to sell its wares, analysts say.

"The main target is the US. Both sides want to improve their position for bargaining in terms of security, politics and economics," said Jin Canrong, a professor of international relations at the People's University of China.

Both countries say Peace Mission 2005, which involves 10,000 troops, is aimed at building ties between their militaries and analysts say it is not targeted at any third country. But it is likely to be viewed with concern by others in the region.