China, Russia send warships past Japan as they extend show of cooperation

China and Russia have continued their military cooperation with an anti-submarine drill and a first joint passage through Tsugaru Strait in the Japanese archipelago, in what observers saw as a move to counter pressure from the US and its allies. The maritime patrol took place on Monday when five Chinese and five Russian warships sailed through Tsugaru Strait - which separates the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido - from the Sea of Japan, according to the Japanese defence ministry. It was the first time Japan had confirmed Chinese and Russian warships passing through it. Only 19km (12 miles) wide…