The navies of Russia and China have begun artillery and anti-submarine warfare exercises in the Sea of Japan as part of planned joint maneuvers. About this informs Reuters.
The training started near Vladivostok and will last three days. Russia and China regularly conduct joint military activities after signing an “unrestricted” strategic partnership in 2022, which will deepen cooperation between their militaries and form a joint deterrence signal for potential adversaries.
These maneuvers are of a special nature, as they take place against the background of growing international tension. Recently, Donald Trump announced the dispatch of two nuclear submarines to “relevant regions” in response to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s statements regarding the possibility of a nuclear conflict.
The drills aim to strengthen the defense partnership between Moscow and Beijing and demonstrate their military presence in a region experiencing rising tensions. Warships of both states are involved in the maneuvers, including a large Russian anti-submarine ship and two Chinese destroyers. Also participating are diesel-electric submarines from both sides and a Chinese submarine rescue vessel.
The program provides for the implementation of a wide range of tasks: from rescue operations for the submarine fleet and anti-submarine operations to practicing air and anti-missile defense, as well as simulating naval battles.
During exercises in the Sea of Japan, the crews practice combat interaction, including artillery fire, air defense operations, anti-submarine operations and joint search and rescue missions. After the end of the main phase of the exercises, the parties plan to conduct joint patrols in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
