China launches joint naval exercises with Iran and Russia

Russia, China and Iran are holding a five-day maritime exercise in the Gulf of Oman to bolster their naval security. China's guided-missile destroyer Nanning will be taking part, and the exercise will build on the drills held by China, Russia and Iran in 2019 and 2022. In late February, China conducted another naval drill with Russia, along with South Africa, but Western media branded the move "controversial" in view of the Ukraine conflict. The US also weighed in, with the White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre stating in January that Washington "has concerns about any country exercising with Russia" as Moscow continues its military campaign in Ukraine.