China and Russia start joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan to strengthen ties and counter the U.S. global order.
In recent years, China and Russia have deepened their ties, with China offering economic support to Russia in the face of Western sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Joint Sea-2025 exercises, taking place near the Russian port of Vladivostok, will continue for three days, as announced by China’s Ministry of National Defence.
The drills will involve submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine, air defense, and anti-missile operations, as well as maritime combat.
Four Chinese vessels, including guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, will participate alongside Russian ships, according to the ministry.
Following the exercises, the two countries will conduct naval patrols in the Pacific Ocean.
China and Russia have been conducting annual drills for several years, with the “Joint Sea” exercises starting in 2012.
Last year, the drills took place along China’s southern coast.
Japan’s Ministry of Defence expressed security concerns over China’s growing military cooperation with Russia in its annual report.
Both the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet and the Chinese Defence Ministry emphasized that the exercises are defensive and not directed against other countries.
China has consistently refused to condemn Russia’s war and has not called for a withdrawal of troops, leading Ukraine’s allies to believe that Beijing has provided support to Moscow.
European leaders recently urged China to use its influence to pressure Russia to end the war, but there is no indication that Beijing will do so.
China maintains that it is a neutral party, regularly calling for an end to the fighting while accusing Western countries of prolonging the conflict by arming Ukraine.
