BEIJING: China and Russia conducted a joint naval patrol in the northern and western Pacific, Beijing’s defence ministry said on Sunday, adding that the exercise was not “targeted” at any other nation.
The Chinese Ministry of National Defence confirmed that the joint operation, the fourth of its kind under an annual plan agreed between the two nations, took place without targeting any specific third party. “This operation is not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” stated the Chinese defence ministry.
The collaboration between China and Russia has significantly strengthened in recent years, with both countries emphasizing their strategic partnership as having “no limits.” This alliance has been reinforced against the backdrop of strained relations with Western nations, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
China’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine has drawn criticism from Western leaders, who accuse Beijing of providing political and economic support to Moscow. Despite assertions of neutrality, China has continued economic activities with Russia, including trade in dual-use goods.
In addition to the joint naval patrol, China and Russia are currently conducting drills, known as Joint Sea-2024, along China’s southern coast. These exercises, based in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, are aimed at demonstrating the joint resolve and capabilities of the two nations in addressing maritime security threats and maintaining regional peace and stability, according to the Chinese Defence Ministry.
The Russian defence ministry reported the arrival of two warships in Zhanjiang to participate in the joint drills, scheduled to take place from Monday to Wednesday.
The Pacific region remains a focal point of international tensions, particularly due to ongoing sovereignty disputes involving China and its neighboring countries, many of which are supported by the United States.
China and Russia have a history of joint military exercises, although their level of interoperability has been noted as significantly lower compared to NATO forces, according to assessments by the European Union Institute for Security Studies.
In 2023, both countries conducted a joint naval exercise off the coast of Alaska.
