China and Russia Strengthen Military Ties with Naval Exercises in the Sea of Japan

China and Russia commenced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on Sunday, aiming to strengthen their alliance and challenge what they perceive as a U.S.-dominated global framework.

In recent years, Moscow and Beijing have enhanced their military collaboration alongside their economic and political relations, particularly intensifying their ties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The «Joint Sea-2025» drills began in waters near Vladivostok, Russia, and are scheduled to last three days, according to a statement from China’s Defense Ministry.

During the exercises, the two nations will engage in activities such as «submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine operations, air defense, anti-missile exercises, and maritime combat.»

Four Chinese naval vessels, including the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating alongside Russian ships, the ministry reported.

Following the exercises, both countries will perform naval patrols in «relevant areas of the Pacific.»

China and Russia have been conducting annual drills for several years, with the «Joint Sea» exercises commencing in 2012.

Last year’s exercises took place off China’s southern coast.

The Chinese Defense Ministry noted on Friday that the current exercises aim to «further enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership» between the two nations.

China has not condemned Russia’s ongoing war, which has lasted over three years, nor has it called for Russian troop withdrawal. Many of Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, suspect that Beijing is providing support to Moscow.

China maintains that it is a neutral party, consistently advocating for an end to hostilities while accusing Western nations of prolonging the conflict by supplying arms to Ukraine.