China and Russia have conducted live-fire naval exercises in the South China Sea as part of the joint drills.

The opening ceremony of the Russian-Chinese naval exercise 'Maritime Cooperation- 2024' took place in the Chinese port of Zhanjiang.

China and Russia carried out live-fire naval exercises in the South China Sea this week, which both countries having strengthened military and trade ties in recent years following U.S. sanctions.

During their sea manoeuvres, the crews of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet and the PLA Navy were to conduct joint air defense exercises and anti-submarine drills with the involvement of PLA naval anti-submarine aviation.