Key facts
- China and Russia are conducting joint naval exercises off the coast of Qingdao, China.
- The drills, dubbed 'Joint Sea-2025' and 'Maritime Interaction 2025', are an annual event.
- Following the exercises, naval forces from both countries will conduct joint patrols in the Pacific Ocean.
- The exercises involve training in areas such as anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and live-fire drills.
- China states the drills are not directed against any third parties and are part of regular bilateral cooperation.
- Japan has expressed strong concern over the deepening security ties and military cooperation between China and Russia.
The Chinese and Russian navies have commenced joint military exercises in waters and airspace off Qingdao, China, and near Vladivostok, Russia. These annual drills, referred to as 'Joint Sea-2025' and 'Maritime Interaction 2025', are designed to enhance security cooperation and regional stability.
Following the naval exercises, forces from both nations are set to conduct joint maritime patrols in the Pacific Ocean. China's defense ministry stated that these exercises are part of regular bilateral cooperation plans and are not aimed at any third parties. However, the deepening military ties between Beijing and Moscow are a growing concern for Japan, which views the cooperation and escalating US-China rivalry as significant regional security challenges.
Military cooperation between China and Russia has intensified in recent years, with Russia providing advanced military technologies to China. The two countries have conducted numerous joint exercises since 2003, with a significant increase in frequency over the last six years, particularly in the Pacific region. Japan has warned that Russia's deployment of new military hardware and troop increases in areas north of Japan, coupled with China-Russia strategic cooperation, pose a threat to its security.