Chinese and Russian Navies Conduct Joint Exercise in the Sea of Japan

China and Russia Launch Joint Naval Drills in Pacific Waters Amidst Evolving Geopolitical Landscape

Beijing and Moscow have commenced their latest joint naval exercise, codenamed “Joint Sea-2025,” in the waters off RussiaS port of Vladivostok.The three-day exercise, which began on Sunday, underscores the deepening military cooperation between the two nations, a partnership that has intensified considerably following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in february 2022.The drills are set to encompass a range of complex naval operations, including submarine rescue, anti-submarine warfare, air and missile defense exercises, and simulated sea battles. The Chinese ministry of Defense confirmed the participation of four Chinese vessels,including the destroyers SHAOXING and Urumqi,alongside their Russian counterparts.Following the exercise, both navies will conduct coordinated patrols in the Pacific, further solidifying their combined operational capabilities.

This marks a continuation of a naval exercise series that began in 2012, with the exercises alternating between Russian and chinese waters. last year’s iteration was held off the southern coast of China, highlighting the evolving strategic nexus between the two powers. The Chinese Defense Ministry stated that the primary objective of this year’s drills is to “further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between China and Russia.

The strategic alignment between Beijing and Moscow comes at a critical juncture in global affairs. China has maintained a position of neutrality regarding the conflict in Ukraine, refraining from condemning Russia’s actions or calling for a withdrawal of troops.This stance has led many Western allies to speculate about China’s potential support for Russia. While officially advocating for a peaceful resolution and criticizing Western arms shipments to Ukraine for prolonging the conflict, China’s consistent diplomatic and economic engagement with Russia signals a broader geopolitical recalibration. these joint military exercises serve as a tangible demonstration of that evolving relationship, projecting a unified front in the Pacific region and beyond.The enduring nature of these drills reflects a strategic intent to build interoperability and mutual trust, crucial elements in a world where global alliances are continuously being reshaped.

How might the “Sea Guardian” exercise impact the existing security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning the United States and its allies?

Exercise “Sea Guardian” – A display of Naval Cooperation

On August 3, 2025, the chinese PeopleS Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Russian Pacific Fleet commenced joint naval exercises, codenamed “sea Guardian,” in the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea). This marks the latest in a series of increasingly frequent joint military drills between the two nations, signaling a deepening strategic partnership. The exercise focuses on a range of maritime security operations, including anti-piracy, search and rescue, and joint patrols.

Thes drills are occurring amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, drawing attention from regional powers like japan, South Korea, and the United States. The Sea of Japan’s strategic importance as a key waterway for trade and security makes these exercises particularly noteworthy.

Scope and Participating Assets

The “Sea Guardian” exercise involves a ample deployment of naval assets from both China and Russia. Participating units include:

Chinese PLAN: Destroyers (Type 055 and type 052D), frigates (Type 054A), and a comprehensive support vessel. Aircraft, including naval aviation helicopters, are also involved.

Russian Pacific Fleet: Guided missile cruisers, destroyers, corvettes, and amphibious assault ships. Submarine participation is also reported,adding a significant dimension too the exercise.

The exercise area encompasses a defined section of the Sea of Japan,avoiding territorial waters disputes. Key activities include:

1. Live-Fire Artillery Drills: Testing the accuracy and coordination of naval gunnery.
2. Air Defense Exercises: practicing the interception of simulated aerial threats.
3. joint Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Coordinating efforts to detect and track submarines.
4. Maritime interception Operations: Simulating the boarding and inspection of vessels.
5. search and Rescue (SAR) Scenarios: Practicing coordinated rescue operations at sea.

Strategic Implications and Regional Response

The joint exercise is widely interpreted as a demonstration of growing military cooperation between China and Russia. Several strategic implications are being considered:

Counterbalancing Influence: Some analysts believe the exercises are intended to signal a counterbalance to the military presence and alliances of the United States and its allies in the region, particularly the US-Japan alliance and the US-South Korea alliance.

Enhanced Interoperability: The drills provide valuable opportunities for the PLAN and the Russian Pacific Fleet to improve their interoperability – the ability to operate effectively together. This includes communication protocols, tactical coordination, and logistical support.

Signaling Resolve: The exercise serves as a visible demonstration of the two nations’ commitment to regional security, as defined by their shared interests.

Increased Naval Presence: The exercises contribute to an increased naval presence in the Sea of Japan, perhaps altering the regional security dynamic.

Regional Reactions:

Japan: The Japanese government has expressed concern over the exercises, closely monitoring the activities of the Chinese and Russian naval forces. Japan’s Defense ministry has stated it will take appropriate measures to safeguard its territorial waters and airspace.

South Korea: South Korea has also voiced concerns,emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to international law.

United States: The US Indo-Pacific Command is closely tracking the exercise, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining stability and security in the region.

Ancient Context: joint Naval Exercises Between China and Russia

Joint naval exercises between China and Russia have become increasingly frequent and complex over the past two decades.

2005: The first joint naval exercise, “Peace Mission 2005,” was held in the Yellow Sea.

2012 – Present: Annual joint exercises have become the norm, expanding in scope and complexity. These exercises have taken place in various locations, including the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the South China Sea.

Focus Shift: Early exercises focused primarily on anti-terrorism and search and rescue operations. More recent exercises have incorporated more advanced scenarios, including live-fire drills and anti-submarine warfare.

This progression reflects a deepening strategic alignment between China and Russia, driven by shared geopolitical interests and a desire to challenge the existing international order.

Key Keywords & Related Search Terms

Chinese Navy

Russian Navy

Sea of Japan

Joint military Exercise

PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy)

Pacific Fleet

Maritime Security

Indo-Pacific Region

Military Cooperation

Naval Drills

“Sea Guardian”

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Air Defense Exercise

Geopolitical Tensions

Japan-Russia Relations

China-Russia Military Alliance

Naval Interoperability

Regional Security

East Sea

Military Exercises 2025