China and Russia begin joint military drills in Sea of Japan

As part of their efforts to strengthen and counterbalance what they perceive as a US-led global order, China and Russia have begun joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan.

In response to Western sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the Chinese and Russian governments have since strengthened their ties.

The Joint Sea-2025 exercises began in waters close to Vladivostok, Russia’s port, and will last three days, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of National Defence on Sunday.

“Submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine, air defense, and anti-missile operations, and maritime combat will be conducted by the two parties.”

Along with Russian ships, four Chinese vessels, including the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating in the exercises, according to the ministry.

The two nations will conduct naval patrols in “relevant waters of the Pacific” following the drills.

The “Joint Sea” exercises, which started in 2012, have been conducted annually by China and Russia for a number of years.

Along China’s southern coast, drills took place last year.

In its annual report released last month, the Japanese Ministry of Defense warned that China’s growing military ties with Russia raise serious security concerns.

The Russian Navy Pacific Fleet stated earlier this week that the exercise is defensive in nature and doesn’t target other nations, according to a report released by the US Naval Institute’s online news and analysis portal.

The Chinese Defense Ministry stated on Friday that the exercises this year were meant to “further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two nations.

Many of Ukraine’s allies, including the US, believe Beijing has supported Moscow, despite China’s repeated criticism of its three-year conflict and its never-ending call for its troops to withdraw.

There was no evidence Beijing would intervene in the war, which is now in its fourth year, after European leaders last month demanded that China use its influence to pressure Russia into ending it.