Russia and China Launch Joint Naval Exercises in the Sea of Japan

Joint naval exercises between Russia and China have commenced in the Sea of Japan, according to a statement from the Russian Pacific Fleet. These maneuvers began just two days after US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of two nuclear submarines to “relevant regions” in reaction to comments made by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council. However, the agency stresses that these exercises were scheduled well in advance of these developments.

The military drills feature a significant Russian anti-submarine vessel, two Chinese destroyers, diesel-electric submarines from both nations, and a Chinese submarine rescue ship. The exercises will allow sailors from both countries to engage in coordinated navigation along a specified route, conduct artillery fire, practice anti-submarine and anti-aircraft maneuvers, and perform search and rescue operations at sea.

These exercises occur within the framework of the “no limits” strategic partnership established between Russia and China in 2022. Since then, the two nations have consistently engaged in joint military drills to enhance the coordination of their armed forces. Analysts interpret these exercises as a deterrent signal to geopolitical adversaries of both Moscow and Beijing, particularly in light of Trump’s recent statements and the heightened military presence of the US in the region.