MOSCOW: Russia and China have successfully concluded their joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, as announced by the Russian defense ministry on Sunday. The military drills took place as the two nations, both seeking to counter perceived American hegemony, strengthen their military alliance in the wake of Russia’s Ukraine offensive, which China has refrained from condemning.
The exercises, which began on Thursday, aimed to enhance naval cooperation and contribute to maintaining stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Russian defense ministry. In a statement on Sunday, the ministry confirmed the completion of the exercises, during which approximately twenty combat drills were conducted, including joint artillery fire on maritime, coastal, and air targets.
The Russian navy was represented by two anti-submarine ships, two corvettes, and auxiliary vessels, while China dispatched five warships, including a guided-missile destroyer, and navy aircraft to participate in the exercises.
Collaboration Between China and Russia
The collaboration between Russia and China has extended beyond these naval exercises, as they have organized several joint military exercises between their armies in recent months. During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow in March, both leaders signed a declaration expressing their willingness to conduct “regular joint patrols” to “deepen mutual trust.”
Additionally, in the past month, China and Russia conducted a joint air patrol over the Seas of Japan and East China, prompting South Korea to deploy fighter jets in response. This marked the sixth such patrol in the area since 2019, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
As Russia and China continue to strengthen their military ties, their combined efforts in joint exercises and patrols signal a growing alignment in their regional security priorities. The collaboration serves as a signal of their determination to counterbalance perceived external influences and assert their influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
