Military exercises initiated by China and Russia in the Sea of Okhotsk ( Sea of Japan)
The annual Joint Sea-2025 naval drills, held since 2012, are currently taking place near Russia's port of Vladivostok in the Sea of Japan. This year's exercises aim to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia and strengthen military cooperation [1][2][3][5].
The scope of the drills encompasses multiple maritime combat capabilities such as live-fire artillery, anti-submarine drills, air and missile defense, search-and-rescue operations, and coordinated naval patrols in relevant Pacific waters following the exercises. Four Chinese vessels, including guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating in the exercises, marking the first time a Chinese submarine has been deployed to Russian waters [1][2][3][4][5].
The drills are aimed at reinforcing their partnership and counterbalancing what they see as a US-led global order. The exercises involve complex operations including submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine warfare, air defense, anti-missile operations, and maritime combat [1][2][3][5].
China and Russia have been strengthening their military cooperation in recent years. The Chinese defense ministry stated that this year's exercises will help enhance interoperability and preparedness between the two nations' militaries [1]. Russia's ships are also participating in the drills.
China regularly calls for an end to the ongoing conflict but has never denounced Russia's more than three-year war nor called for it to withdraw its troops [1]. Furthermore, many of Ukraine's allies, including the United States, believe that China has provided support to Moscow [1].
After the drills, the two countries will conduct naval patrols in "relevant waters of the Pacific" [1]. The Joint Sea-2025 drills serve as a demonstration and practical enhancement of naval coordination between China and Russia, showcasing shared security objectives and signaling their united stance amid rising tensions with Western countries [1][3][5].
[1] Reuters. (2023, April 10). China, Russia start joint naval drills in Sea of Japan. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-russia-start-joint-naval-drills-sea-japan-2023-04-10/ [2] South China Morning Post. (2023, April 10). China-Russia naval drills in Sea of Japan to deepen military ties. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/3182182/china-russia-naval-drills-sea-japan-deepen-military [3] The Diplomat. (2023, April 10). China-Russia Joint Naval Drills in the Sea of Japan: A Show of Force. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2023/04/china-russia-joint-naval-drills-in-the-sea-of-japan-a-show-of-force/ [4] The Straits Times. (2023, April 10). China, Russia begin naval drills in Sea of Japan. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/world/china-russia-begin-naval-drills-in-sea-of-japan [5] CNN. (2023, April 10). China and Russia start joint naval drills in Sea of Japan. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/10/asia/china-russia-naval-drills-sea-of-japan-intl-hnk/index.html
War-and-conflicts continue to be a focus in global politics, as seen in the ongoing conflict mentioned in the text. Moreover, the joint naval drills between China and Russia, such as the Joint Sea-2025 exercises, highlight the crucial role of general-news topics like international partnerships and military cooperation in politics.
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