Navies of Russia and China conducting joint live-fire drills in seas close to Japan.
Headline: Russia and China to Conduct Joint Naval Exercise in East China Sea, Raising Concerns for Japan's Security
In a move that has raised concerns for Japan's security, Russia and China are set to conduct a weeklong joint naval exercise in the East China Sea, starting from Wednesday. This latest indication of increasing collaboration between the two nations marks a recent development in the region.
The exercise, named Maritime Teamwork 2022, will see the participation of ships from the Russian Pacific Fleet and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. The Russian contingent will include the missile cruiser Varyag, a frigate, and two corvettes, while China will contribute two destroyers, two patrol ships, a multi-purpose supply ship, and a diesel submarine. Chinese aircraft will also take part in the exercise.
This military collaboration between China and Russia is not new. In the past, they have conducted joint air exercises and a flotilla circuit around the Japanese main islands, as seen in 2021. The increased frequency of these joint exercises near Japanese waters is a cause for concern, according to analysts.
The main purpose of the exercise is to strengthen naval collaboration between Russia and China and to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. However, the joint military exercises are seen as a potential threat to Japan's security situation. Tracking the movements of both Russian and Chinese military forces puts pressure on the resources of the Japan Self Defense Forces, according to James Brown, associate professor of political science at Holy Cross College in Tokyo.
Recent months have seen an increase in Chinese-Russian military activity near Japanese waters. In June, Japan reported tracking eight Russian and Chinese warships near its waters within a week. This follows Japan's recent announcement of an increase in its defense budget and plans to obtain long-range weapons, citing increasing threats to its security situation.
The increased military activity of China and Russia near Japanese waters comes amidst China's refusal to condemn Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine. However, China has increased economic support to Russia, boosting bilateral trade to record levels as a benefit to Russian business amidst Western sanctions.
As of now, China has not yet commented on the Russian statement regarding the exercise. The name of the commander of the Russian fleet participating in the Maritime Teamwork 2022 exercises in the East China Sea is not available in the provided search results.
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