China and Russia Commence Joint Naval Exercises in the Sea of Japan

China and Russia initiated joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan on Sunday, aiming to strengthen their strategic partnership and counterbalance what they perceive as a US-led global order.

In addition to growing economic and political ties, Moscow and Beijing have significantly enhanced their military cooperation in recent years. Their relationship has deepened notably since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The exercises, titled “Joint Sea-2025”, commenced in waters near the Russian port of Vladivostok and are scheduled to last for three days, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Defence on Sunday.

The drills will feature a range of operations, including:

The Chinese contingent includes four vessels, notably the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, which will operate alongside Russian ships, the ministry confirmed.

Following the completion of the exercises, both navies will conduct joint patrols in designated Pacific waters.

The annual “Joint Sea” exercises have been held since 2012, with last year’s drills taking place off China’s southern coast. This year’s exercises are intended to “further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two nations, as stated by the Chinese defence ministry.

Despite widespread international criticism of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, China has refrained from condemning Moscow or demanding troop withdrawals. Many Western allies of Ukraine, including the United States, suspect Beijing of providing support to Russia.

China maintains a stance of neutrality, frequently calling for an end to hostilities while accusing Western nations of exacerbating the conflict by supplying arms to Ukraine.