Chinese and Russian nuclear-capable bombers conducted a “joint patrol” over the Sea of Japan in a military gesture that dramatized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s vow to remain unified with his communist neighbor.

“Some of our Western partners are openly trying to drive a wedge between Moscow and Beijing,” Putin told his foreign policy team in a Thursday speech. “We are well aware of this. Together, with our Chinese friends, we will continue responding to such attempts by expanding our political, economic, and other cooperation and coordinating steps in the world arena.”