What's happened
China and Russia have conducted joint naval exercises near Vladivostok, emphasizing anti-submarine, air defense, and rescue operations. The drills, part of their annual cooperation, follow recent joint patrols and military activities in the Asia-Pacific, amid regional security concerns and US military presence. The exercises highlight deepening strategic ties.
What's behind the headline?
The recent expansion of China-Russia naval cooperation signals a deliberate effort to challenge US influence in the Asia-Pacific. The drills serve multiple purposes: demonstrating military capability, reinforcing strategic alliances, and sending a geopolitical message. The joint patrols and exercises are designed to showcase their ability to operate in long-range, blue-water environments, aligning with China's goal to become a global naval power. The timing, amid US military exercises like 'Resolute Force Pacific,' underscores a broader contest for regional dominance. While China and Russia claim their activities are purely defensive, their scale and scope suggest a calculated effort to undermine US-led security arrangements. This deepening partnership will likely lead to increased military tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts in the region, with potential implications for regional stability and international diplomacy.
What the papers say
South China Morning Post provides detailed coverage of the drills, emphasizing their scope and strategic significance, including the involvement of advanced Chinese destroyers and Russian ships. Al Jazeera highlights the broader geopolitical context, noting the deepening ties between China and Russia, and framing the exercises as part of their response to US military activities and Western sanctions. Both sources agree on the significance of the cooperation but differ in tone: SCMP focuses on military specifics, while Al Jazeera emphasizes geopolitical implications and regional security concerns. The US and Japanese reports, referenced indirectly, suggest that these activities are viewed as provocative, though Chinese and Russian officials maintain they are routine and defensive. The coverage collectively underscores a pattern of increased military coordination aimed at countering US influence, with regional and global repercussions.
How we got here
China and Russia have increased military cooperation over recent years, including annual joint exercises since 2012. These activities aim to strengthen their strategic partnership, especially amid Western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine and US military build-up in the Asia-Pacific. The drills often focus on anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and maritime security, reflecting their intent to project power and deter regional adversaries.
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Common question
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