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China and Russia have launched a new round of joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, underscoring their growing military ties and shared opposition to the US-dominated global order. The drills began on Sunday and are set to continue for three days near the Russian port city of Vladivostok, according to a statement from China’s defence ministry.
The operation, titled “Joint Sea-2025”, includes a range of military activities such as anti-submarine warfare, air defence and anti-missile drills, submarine rescue missions, and general maritime combat exercises.
Four Chinese naval vessels are taking part in the operation, including the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, alongside several Russian warships. Upon completion of the drills, the two navies will carry out joint patrols in nearby areas of the Pacific Ocean.
These joint exercises have become an annual fixture since they were first launched in 2012. While last year’s edition took place off China’s southern coast, this year’s location near Japan is likely to draw close attention from Western observers.
Beijing’s defence ministry said the 2025 exercises aim to “further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two nations.
China has remained publicly neutral on Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with the invasion in February 2022. However, Western governments, including the United States, accuse Beijing of providing indirect support to Moscow. China has repeatedly rejected those claims, insisting it has not armed Russia and that it continues to push for a negotiated end to the war.
Despite such denials, China’s close military and political ties with Russia have only strengthened in the face of mounting tensions with the West.
