China affirms air patrol with Russia near Alaska 'not aimed at third party'

China's Defense Ministry on Thursday said an air patrol with Russia near Alaska conformed with international law and was "not aimed at a third party."

"This action is not aimed at a third party, is in line with international law... and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation," Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said, adding the patrol "tests and enhances the level of cooperation between the two air forces."

AFP