A joint military exercise in which Russia and China flew nuclear-capable bombers Tuesday during President Biden’s trip to eastern Asia demonstrates how both sides remain close “even as Russia brutalizes Ukraine,” a senior administration official tells Fox News.

The drills, which the official described as the most significant cooperation between the two countries since Russia invaded Ukraine three months ago, come as Biden is in Tokyo for the Quad leaders summit with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia.

“The exercise shows that China is continuing its military cooperation with Russia in the Indo-Pacific even as Russia brutalizes Ukraine,” the official said. “It also shows that Russia will stand with China in the East and South China Seas, not with other Indo-Pacific states.”

A joint military exercise in which Russia and China flew nuclear-capable bombers Tuesday during President Biden’s trip to eastern Asia demonstrates how both sides remain close “even as Russia brutalizes Ukraine,” a senior administration official tells Fox News.

The drills, which the official described as the most significant cooperation between the two countries since Russia invaded Ukraine three months ago, come as Biden is in Tokyo for the Quad leaders summit with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia.

“The exercise shows that China is continuing its military cooperation with Russia in the Indo-Pacific even as Russia brutalizes Ukraine,” the official said. “It also shows that Russia will stand with China in the East and South China Seas, not with other Indo-Pacific states.”