But the media reported a joint military exercise between the Russian – Chinese navies somewhere in the East Sea in September. This attracted special attention from the public. Many people have questioned the reliability of the statements.

Joint military exercises between countries are not something new, and the organization of such events is not a sudden inspiration. According to the military circle, plans for joint military exercises are often built a year earlier.

Back to the friendly relations between Russia and China, in recent years, besides the warmth of economic ties, the two countries have had more intimate exchanges in the military. The joint exercises between the two militaries occurred frequently, especially in the East China Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the Far East.

Then why has the upcoming joint exercise between the two powers, which the international media is reporting, attracted great public attention?

Because this time, according to public opinion, the Russian – Chinese armies plan to conduct naval exercises in the East Sea. This is also the first time they chose to hold joint exercise in the waters that have always have heated maritime security issues and territorial disputes. The question is whether this move is symbolic or practical support, especially as it takes place immediately after the Permanent Arbitration Court ruled about the case in the East Sea between the Philippines and China.

Looking back at the long history of dramatic relationship between Russia and China, it is not difficult to recognize the so-called "Asian rotating axis" that Putin is pursuing. This policy is summarized as relations between Russia and the rest of Europe are being frozen. It also shows the bravery of Putin when he decided to shake hands with Beijing and acknowledge that the rise of Asia will play an active role, which can be the fulcrum for Putin to revive the Russian economy.

However, politics and economics are always attached together. Maybe the purposes are different, but the need of trade cooperation has helped nurture and bring these countries together. And they need to show the world the fact that they powerfully exist together.

The leaders of Russia and China are still quiet about the joint exercise in the East Sea. It’s good for being cautious because the world is vast. Moscow certainly remembers that, besides the warmth with Beijing, the Russians are actively opening up relations with ASEAN, in which Vietnam is an active member.

Surely, many people still remember that Putin presided over the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Sochi in mid-May. The joint statement released at this event confirmed the "strategic partnership for mutual benefit," particularly on security and trade between the two sides.

Putin and ASEAN leaders also agreed to promote cooperation in politics, security, counter-terrorism and economics "on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual benefit and shared responsibility for promoting peace, development and social progress in the Asia - Pacific region."

Also in Sochi, some ASEAN countries suggested Moscow keep a neutral opinion on the East Sea disputes.

And perhaps, the "Asian rotating axis" is an important milestone in Putin’s security and strategy commitments on the issue of peace and security in the world, including the East Sea.

Now the world is watching the moves of the Kremlin head related to the joint exercise with the Chinese military in the East Sea, which is expected to take place in September.

Minh Tam