Beijing (TDI): China announced on Wednesday that it will carry out joint military exercises with Russia next month, in a move that underscores the deepening defense ties between the two powers amid growing friction with the West.
The drills, dubbed “Joint Sea-2025,” will include sea and air operations near the Russian port city of Vladivostok, followed by joint naval patrols in the Pacific Ocean, according to Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Zhang emphasized that the exercises are part of routine military cooperation between the two countries and are not aimed at any third party.
Last year’s edition of the annual drills, “Joint Sea-2024,” was conducted off China’s southern coastline. The upcoming maneuvers mark a shift in location and come at a time of rising regional tensions and closer strategic coordination between Beijing and Moscow.
Read More: China, Russia to Build Nuclear Plant on Moon
After the joint exercises, the two navies are expected to continue with patrol missions in Pacific waters, Zhang added, without specifying the exact duration of the operations.
The military collaboration comes just weeks ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected visit to China in late August. Putin is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and participate in events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which will include a military parade.
He is also expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, China and Russia have grown increasingly aligned on global issues, with both governments resisting what they perceive as a US-dominated international order.
Read More: China, Russia Support Iran on Nuclear Program
China maintains that it remains neutral in the conflict and has urged dialogue to end the war, while simultaneously accusing Western powers of escalating the violence by continuing to arm Ukraine.
During a recent meeting in Beijing, Xi Jinping told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the two nations should “strengthen mutual support,” reinforcing the message that China and Russia’s strategic partnership remains firm, even amid international scrutiny.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
