Beijing, (TDI): The China-Russia joint military exercise has entered its second phase, with warships from both nations conducting live-fire drills in the Sea of Japan, the Russian Defense Ministry announced.
This exercise runs parallel with a China-Russia joint coast guard drill, further underscoring the growing defense and security cooperation between the two countries, according to analysts.
The opening ceremony of the Northern/Interaction-2024 joint exercise was held at a Russian naval base, after which the warships of both navies set sail for the designated exercise zone.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy confirmed the development in a statement.
During this phase, the joint forces are focusing on drills related to maritime and air escort, alert and defense systems, air defense and anti-missile operations, and live-fire exercises.
At the ceremony, a senior Chinese commander noted that the Northern/Interaction series of drills has established a robust and mature framework, with the scenarios becoming increasingly realistic and reflective of actual combat conditions.
In a press release, the Russian Defense Ministry said that a joint fleet of ships departed from Vladivostok, and will conduct exercises in the Sea of Japan throughout the week.
The Chinese fleet, comprising the destroyers Xining and Wuxi, the frigate Linyi, and the supply vessel Taihu, linked up with their Russian counterparts on September 9.
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The first phase of the drill was conducted in the waters and airspace of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, concluding on September 15.
According to a Chinese military expert, the drills were divided into two phases, as the first phase coincided with Russia’s Ocean-2024 strategic exercise, while the second phase is a separate, standalone session.
Drill’s Importance
Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, highlighted the importance of these ongoing military interactions, noting that they reflect deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries, which is beneficial for global peace and stability.
Both nations are permanent members of the UN Security Council.
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Alongside the military exercises, the coast guards of China and Russia conducted joint drills near Peter the Great Bay from September 16 to 20, followed by a joint patrol in international waters of the North Pacific beginning on September 21, according to the China Coast Guard.
Experts have emphasized that this collaboration showcases a high level of security cooperation, including military and law enforcement, contributing to the maintenance of international maritime order and the promotion of ocean governance.
