China has announced joint naval and air drills with Russia. The exercises, which start this month, underline the growing closeness of the two giant powers.
In a move that underscores their growing strategic partnership, China and Russia have announced joint military exercises in the Pacific Ocean, scheduled to take place in September. The “North-Joint 2024” drills will bring together naval and air forces from both nations, focusing on maritime patrol and security cooperation in the skies and waters around the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, off Russia’s coast.
The exercises aim to deepen strategic cooperation and enhance joint capabilities to address security threats, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. China will also participate in Russia’s “Ocean-2024” strategic exercise, a comprehensive command and staff exercise involving all branches of Russia’s armed forces.
This joint military endeavor marks a significant milestone in the China-Russia alliance, which has been strengthening in recent years. Both nations share a common goal of challenging the Western-led liberal democratic order and expanding their global influence.
Russia seeks to bolster its position as a Pacific power with China’s support, while China gains backing for its territorial claims, including in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. The partnership has raised concerns among Western nations, with NATO leaders accusing China of enabling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The joint exercises come amid increasing tensions between China, Russia, and the West, with both countries opposing “Western hegemony” and seeking to expand their global influence. As the world witnesses this growing alliance, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to this emerging geopolitical dynamic.
