China's defense ministry has disclosed that the Chinese and Russian militaries will take part in each other's military drills to be held in the Sea of Japan and other areas in the near future.

The ministry made the announcement on Monday. It said the Chinese military will conduct a drill in waters and air space in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. It added that Russia will send elements of its navy and air force this month to take part in the exercise.

The statement said the drill will be conducted based on its annual plan and a China-Russia agreement. It said the purpose of the exercise is to enhance the levels of the two militaries' strategic cooperation and strengthen capabilities to jointly respond to security threats.

The ministry did not refer to specific dates and the types of vessels and aircraft that will be involved.

It added the Chinese navy will take part in a military drill the Russian navy plans to conduct in the Pacific Ocean.

China and Russia have stepped up relations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Their leaders agreed at a summit in May to strengthen economic ties and expand the scale of joint military drills.

Observers say the two countries are believed to be participating in each other's drills to keep countries they are at odds with in check. They include the United States, Japan, and also European nations that are increasing their engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.