MOSCOW. July 23 (Interfax) - A group of two Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces and two Xian H-6K strategic bombers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has conducted an air patrolling mission along a previously planned route over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"According to recorder data, there was no violation of airspace of foreign countries," the ministry said in a statement seen by Interfax.
"The joint patrolling mission was conducted in order to deepen and develop Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership relations, increase the level of interoperability between the two countries' armed forces, improve their capability to conduct joint activities, and strengthen global strategic stability," the statement said.
"The mission was conducted under a military cooperation plan for 2019 and was not targeted against third countries," it said.
"While performing their duties, the planes of the two countries operated strictly in line with international law," the statement said.