The Chinese and Russian militaries conducted the ninth joint strategic air patrol in the airspace over the Sea of Japan, China Central Television (CCTV) reported today (Friday).

The patrol was part of the annual cooperation plan between the two countries, according to Reuters.

The two militaries conducted a joint air patrol in July with strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear warheads near the US state of Alaska in the North Pacific and Arctic, prompting the US and Canada to send fighter jets.