Russian and Chinese naval vessels are set to conduct joint patrols in the Asia-Pacific region, following recent exercises in the Sea of Japan. According to Russia’s official Interfax news agency, the joint patrol announcement comes after a series of military exercises between the two countries, which focused on anti-submarine and air defense missions.
The Russian Pacific Fleet’s press service stated that ships from the Russian Navy and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy “will form a new task group to carry out joint patrol missions in the Asia-Pacific region”. This development is seen as a demonstration of the deepening military ties between Russia and China, with both countries seeking to enhance their coordination and deterrence capabilities in the region.
The joint patrols are part of a broader effort by Russia and China to strengthen their strategic partnership, which was formalized in 2022 with a “no-limits” agreement. Since then, the two countries have conducted regular exercises to rehearse coordination between their armed forces and send a deterrent signal to adversaries. According to Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, these exercises are a response to the build-up of US military potential in the Asia Pacific region.
The Asia Pacific joint patrol comes as China modernizes and upgrades its naval fleet to become a “blue water” force, capable of carrying out long-range operations in the world’s oceans. This development has significant implications for regional security dynamics, with potential consequences for the United States and other Western forces operating in the area.
The recent joint naval drills between Russia and China, code-named Joint Sea-2025, were held in the Sea of Japan from August 1 to 5, 2025. The exercises included anti-submarine and air defense missions, as well as live-fire drills and joint search and rescue operations. During the drills, Russian and Chinese warships, including the Russian large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs and the corvette Gromky, together with the Chinese destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, carried out live-fire training drills.
The drills also featured a submarine rescue training session, where a Russian submarine grounded on the sea bed sent a rescue request to the Chinese comprehensive rescue ship Xihu. The Xihu successfully located the submarine and completed the rescue mission, demonstrating the enhanced coordination and capabilities of the two navies.
The joint patrols and exercises between Russia and China reflect their shared goal of safeguarding regional peace and stability, while deterring potential security threats. Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Junshe emphasized that the joint maritime patrol demonstrates the firm determination of both countries to safeguard sovereignty, security, and development interests.
As the Asia Pacific region continues to experience shifting security dynamics, the Russia-China partnership is likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping regional affairs. The joint patrols and exercises serve as a testament to the growing military cooperation between the two nations, with potential implications for regional stability and security.