China and Russia Launch Joint Sea-2025 Military Drills in Sea of Japan Near Vladivostok
China and Russia have launched a high-profile joint naval exercise in the Sea of Japan, reinforcing their expanding military partnership.
The Joint Sea-2025 drills began on Saturday near the Russian Pacific port of Vladivostok and are scheduled to run for three days, China’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed.
The operation aims to enhance maritime coordination and strategic trust between the two nations, featuring joint navigation, anti-submarine warfare, communications, and air defense exercises.
The Chinese Defense Ministry emphasized that these military drills are “not aimed at any third party” and are purely defensive in nature.
This move reflects a growing strategic alliance between Russia and China, particularly in the face of rising tensions with Western powers.
Both countries have strengthened bilateral military ties through a series of joint exercises in recent years, showcasing their readiness to coordinate in various defense scenarios.
The Sea of Japan, adjacent to sensitive maritime zones and key U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea, remains a contested and strategically vital waterway.
Hosting the drills near Vladivostok, home to Russia’s Pacific Fleet, sends a firm signal about Moscow’s regional capabilities.
For Beijing, participation in the Joint Sea-2025 drills demonstrates its naval strength and commitment to deepening defense ties with Russia. This marks another milestone in China’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a global maritime power.
Military analysts view these drills as a clear response to increased U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The China-Russia military cooperation now serves not only as a defense measure but also as a geopolitical counterweight.
While the exercise includes standard naval maneuvers, the timing and location are politically symbolic. They indicate that China and Russia are aligned on strategic issues, including safeguarding their respective maritime interests and opposing Western hegemony in Asia-Pacific affairs.
As the Joint Sea-2025 military drills unfold, observers will be closely monitoring the joint capabilities demonstrated by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Russian Navy, especially regarding interoperability, communication, and rapid-response coordination.
The world watches as two major powers consolidate their defense partnership in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime regions, shaping the future of Indo-Pacific security.
Source: Al Jazeera and other media outlets
