China and Russia have begun their annual joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, aiming to strengthen their military cooperation and counterbalance a perceived US-led global order. The “Joint Sea-2025” exercises kicked off on Sunday near the Russian port of Vladivostok and will last for three days.
Participating vessels include four Chinese guided-missile destroyers and multiple Russian ships, with drills focusing on submarine rescue, anti-submarine operations, air defense, and maritime combat. The exercises are part of a long-standing partnership between the two nations, which have deepened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
China has never condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine nor called for its withdrawal, although many allies believe Beijing has provided support to Moscow. China insists it is a neutral party, calling for an end to the conflict while criticizing Western countries for prolonging it by arming Ukraine.
This year’s drills aim to further deepen the strategic partnership between China and Russia, two nations that have strengthened their economic and political ties in recent years. The exercises follow previous annual drills, which began in 2012, and will be followed by naval patrols in “relevant waters of the Pacific.”
Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/03/china-and-russia-start-joint-drills-in-sea-of-japan-a90081