The PLA explained the purpose of joint patrols with Russia

Russian and Chinese patrols are not directed against third countries. Zhang Xiaogang, the official spokesman of the Chinese Defense Ministry, said this on November 1 in the WeChat social network.

"Joint Russian-Chinese air strategic patrols are a routine part of the annual cooperation plan, they are not directed against third countries and are not related to the current international and regional situation," he wrote.

According to Xiaogang, Russia's Air and Space Force (ASF) and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLA Air Force) during joint patrols in the Sea of Japan and the western Pacific Ocean from Nov. 29 to 30 were able to effectively test and improve the two countries' air forces' capabilities for joint training and operations.

Earlier on Nov. 30, Russia and China conducted air patrols in the Asia-Pacific region. Russian Su-30SM and MiG-3 aircraft and Chinese Jian-16 aircraft provided fighter air cover along the entire route.