Russia and China to Hold Joint Maneuvers
By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV
Associated Press Writer
December 27, 2004, 7:41 AM EST
MOSCOW -- Russia and China will hold unprecedented joint military maneuvers on Chinese territory next year involving both nations' air forces and navies, Russia's defense minister on Monday.
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Both nations have frequently spoken about their adherence to a "multi-polar world," a term that refers to their opposition to a perceived U.S. domination in global affairs.
Some observers have speculated that Russia, which has had a falling out with the West over Ukraine's presidential election, could respond by trying to forge a closer partnership with China.
Russia has staunchly backed Ukraine's Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, fearing that his rival, Viktor Yushchenko would bring the nation closer to the West and away from the Russian orbit.
Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent military analyst who long has followed Russian-Chinese military cooperation, said the announced exercise was clearly intended to show Moscow's irritation with the West...
Copyright © 2004, The Associated Press
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