China and Russia have initiated joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, marking a significant development in their military cooperation. The exercises, dubbed “Joint Sea-2025,” commenced in waters near the Russian port of Vladivostok and will last for three days. According to China’s Ministry of National Defence, the drills aim to “further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two nations.
The joint exercises will encompass a range of military operations, including submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine, air defence, and anti-missile operations, as well as maritime combat. Four Chinese vessels, including guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating in the exercises alongside Russian ships. Following the drills, the two countries will conduct naval patrols in “relevant waters of the Pacific”.
This year’s drills in the Sea of Japan have raised security concerns for Japan’s Ministry of Defence, which warned that China’s growing military cooperation with Russia poses serious security concerns. However, the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet emphasized that “the exercise is defensive in nature and is not directed against other countries”. The joint drills are part of a broader pattern of military exercises between the two nations, which have deepened their ties in recent years.
The timing of these exercises is notable, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the complex geopolitical landscape. China has not denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and many of Ukraine’s allies believe Beijing has provided support to Moscow. European leaders have urged China to use its influence to pressure Russia to end the war, but China maintains it is a neutral party, calling for an end to the fighting while accusing Western countries of prolonging the conflict by arming Ukraine.
China and Russia have carried out annual joint military drills for several years, with the “Joint Sea” exercises beginning in 2012. Last year’s drills were held along China’s southern coast. These exercises demonstrate the growing military partnership between the two nations, which have strengthened their ties in recent years.