As Russia’s military last week launched globe-spanning drills widely seen as a show of strength directed at the United States, President Vladimir Putin made clear which country he sees as standing by Moscow’s side.

China Coast Guard ships Meishan and Xiushan have arrived in Russia's Far East port of Vladivostok to conduct joint exercises and patrols with their Russian counterparts, RIA state news agency reported on Tuesday.

China and Russia are scheduled to stage three military maneuvers in the coming days, including a naval patrol that may reach Alaska in the United States.