China-Russia Naval Drills Near Japan Raise Regional Tensions

China and Russia Launch Joint Naval Drills in Sea of Japan

Tokyo, Japan – China and Russia commenced their annual joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on Sunday, August 3, 2025, signaling a continued deepening of their strategic alliance and a collective stance against a perceived U.S.-led global order. The three-day maneuvers are designed to bolster military cooperation between the two nations, which has intensified sence Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The joint naval exercises, dubbed “joint Sea,” aim to strengthen military ties and counter perceived global order shifts.

The bilateral exercises kicked off near the Russian port of Vladivostok, as confirmed by the Chinese Ministry of Defense. The training program includes a range of critical naval operations such as underwater rescue, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, anti-missile drills, and maritime combat scenarios. Four Chinese naval vessels, including the destroyers “Shaoxing” and “Urumqi,” are participating alongside Russian warships.

Following the conclusion of these drills, both nations are scheduled to conduct joint naval patrols in “pertinent Pacific waters.” These annual “Joint Sea” exercises have been a staple of Sino-Russian military cooperation since 2012, with last year’s drills being held off China’s southern coast.

While Beijing has maintained a declared neutrality regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it has not condemned Russia’s actions or called for the withdrawal of its troops. This stance has led many Western allies, including the United States, to beleive that China has provided support to its Russian counterpart.

What are the potential implications of increased Sino-Russian military cooperation for the US-Japan security treaty?

escalating Military Cooperation: A Closer Look

Recent joint naval drills conducted by China and Russia in the waters near Japan have considerably heightened regional anxieties. These exercises, occurring in the Sea of Japan and the Western Pacific, represent a growing pattern of military cooperation between the two nations and are viewed with increasing concern by Japan, the United States, and other regional powers. The drills involved surface vessels, submarines, and potentially air assets, focusing on anti-submarine warfare, joint patrols, and live-fire exercises. This level of interoperability demonstrates a clear signal of their combined military capabilities.

Key Objectives and demonstrated Capabilities

The stated objectives of the Sino-Russian naval exercises, as reported by both governments, center around bolstering maritime security and countering potential threats.However,analysts suggest a broader strategic intent is at play.

Demonstration of Force: The drills serve as a visible display of strength, notably aimed at signaling to the United States and its allies in the region.

Interoperability Enhancement: Joint exercises improve the ability of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Russian Pacific Fleet to operate seamlessly together. This includes dialog protocols,tactical coordination,and logistical support.

Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) Capabilities: The exercises likely tested and refined A2/AD strategies, designed to deny adversaries access to critical maritime areas.

Naval Power Projection: The drills showcase both nations’ growing capacity to project naval power beyond their immediate coastlines.

Japan’s Response and Security Concerns

Japan has expressed strong concern over the drills,viewing them as a direct challenge to its regional security. The proximity of the exercises to Japanese territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has prompted heightened surveillance and diplomatic protests.

Specific Japanese Concerns:

Violation of Sovereignty: While the drills occurred in international waters, Japan argues they are uncomfortably close to its territory and raise questions about intent.

Increased Military Pressure: The exercises contribute to a growing sense of military pressure in the region, forcing Japan to allocate more resources to defense.

Potential for Miscalculation: The increased military activity raises the risk of accidental encounters or miscalculations that could escalate into conflict.

Impact on Regional Stability: Japan fears the drills are part of a broader effort by China and Russia to undermine the existing regional security architecture.

Japan has been actively strengthening its defense capabilities, including increasing its defense budget, acquiring new military equipment, and deepening its security alliance with the United States. The recent bolstering of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) is a direct response to the perceived growing threat.

US Involvement and Regional Alliances

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defending its allies in the region, including Japan and South Korea. The US Navy has increased its presence in the Western Pacific, conducting its own naval exercises and enhancing its surveillance capabilities.

Strengthening Alliances:

US-Japan Security Treaty: The US-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of regional security, with the US providing a security guarantee to Japan.

US-South Korea Alliance: Similar to the US-Japan alliance,the US maintains a strong military presence in South Korea and conducts joint exercises with the South Korean military.

QUAD Security Dialogue: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), comprising the US, Japan, India, and Australia, is increasingly focused on countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The QUAD nations have been conducting joint naval exercises and coordinating their security policies.

AUKUS Security Pact: The AUKUS pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, while primarily focused on nuclear submarine technology, also signals a commitment to strengthening security cooperation in the indo-Pacific.

Historical context: Sino-Russian Military Cooperation

The current naval drills are not an isolated event. Sino-Russian military cooperation has been steadily increasing over the past two decades, driven by shared strategic interests and a desire to counter US influence.

Key milestones:

* “Peace Mission” Exercises (2005 – Present): annual joint military exercises focusing on