China and Russia have initiated joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, aiming to strengthen their alliance and offset what they regard as a global order dominated by the United States. Over recent years, ties between the two nations have intensified, with China offering economic support to Russia amidst Western sanctions following its incursion into Ukraine. According to a statement from China’s Ministry of National Defence, the Joint Sea-2025 drills are being conducted near Vladivostok, a Russian port, and will continue for three days. The exercises will involve submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine maneuvers, air defense and missile countermeasures, as well as maritime combat scenarios.
The Chinese fleet includes four ships, among them the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, while Russian vessels are also participating. Post-drills, the navies will embark on patrols in selected areas of the Pacific Ocean. Since the commencement of the “Joint Sea” maneuvers in 2012, these exercises have become an annual event. Last year’s activities took place along China’s southern coastline.
Japan’s Ministry of Defence recently cautioned that the expanding military collaboration between China and Russia represents significant security concerns. The Russian Navy Pacific Fleet, referencing a report from a US defense news portal, emphasized that the exercise is purely defensive and not intended as a threat to any other nation. China’s Defence Ministry highlighted on Friday that the objective of this year’s exercises is to further solidify the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. Despite international criticism and appeals from Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, China has maintained a stance of neutrality, urging an end to the conflict but also accusing Western nations of fueling the war by supplying arms to Ukraine.
European leaders have called on China to leverage its influence to urge Russia to cease hostilities, yet Beijing shows no signs of taking such action.
