AFP, BEIJING China and Russia are to hold their annual joint naval exercises this month and conduct patrols in unspecified areas of the Pacific Ocean, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said yesterday. Moscow and Beijing share close economic and diplomatic ties, with their relations strengthened by shared opposition to a global order dominated by Washington. The Chinese and Russian militaries have held regular joint exercises over the past few years, a partnership that Western and some other governments view with suspicion as Moscow’s war on Ukraine grinds on. Russian President Vladimir Putin, front, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping inspect an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 20. Photo: Reuters The naval forces of the tw