China and Russia Launch Joint Naval Drill in the Sea of Japan: Strengthening Partnership to Counter US-led Global Influence

China and Russia have commenced a three-day joint naval exercise named "Joint Sea-2025" near the Russian port city of Vladivostok in the Sea of Japan, according to China’s Ministry of Defense on Sunday, August 3.

The drill includes submarine rescue, joint submarine defense, air defense, missile interception, and various maritime combat exercises. China is deploying four ships, including the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, while Russia is also contributing several naval vessels.

Following the exercise, the two navies plan to conduct joint patrols in designated areas of the Pacific Ocean.

Since 2012, China and Russia have regularly held the “Joint Sea” exercises. Last year, the drill took place off China’s southern coast. The current exercise being held in the Sea of Japan has prompted Japan’s Ministry of Defense to describe the growing military cooperation between China and Russia as a “serious security threat” in its recent annual report.

However, Russia’s Pacific Fleet has stated that the drills are purely defensive and not directed against any country.

China’s Ministry of Defense emphasized that the exercise aims to “deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two countries.

This military cooperation between China and Russia is intensifying amid Western sanctions and efforts by the US-led bloc to maintain global influence. After Western sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China has increasingly played the role of an economic ally to Russia.