China and Russia begin joint naval drills in Sea of Japan

China and Russia started joint naval drills within the Sea of Japan on Sunday (August 3, 2025) as they search to strengthen their partnership and counterbalance what they see as a U.S.-led international order.

Alongside financial and political ties, Moscow and Beijing have strengthened their army cooperation lately, and their relations have deepened since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Additionally learn: China says ready to ‘expand practical cooperation’ with Russian Army

The “Joint Sea-2025” workouts kicked off in waters close to the Russian port of Vladivostok and would final for 3 days, China’s defence ministry mentioned in a press release on Sunday (August 3, 2025).

The 2 sides will maintain “submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine, air defence and anti-missile operations, and maritime fight”.

4 Chinese language vessels, together with guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are taking part within the workouts alongside Russian ships, the Ministry mentioned.

After the drills, the 2 international locations will conduct naval patrols in “related waters of the Pacific”.

China and Russia have carried out annual drills for a number of years, with the “Joint Sea” workouts starting in 2012.

Final yr’s drills have been held alongside China’s southern coast.

The Chinese language Defence Ministry mentioned Friday (August 1, 2025) that this yr’s workouts have been geared toward “additional deepening the excellent strategic partnership” of the 2 international locations.

China has by no means denounced Russia’s greater than three-year battle nor referred to as for it to withdraw its troops, and plenty of of Ukraine’s allies, together with the US, consider that Beijing has offered assist to Moscow.

China insists it’s a impartial occasion, commonly calling for an finish to the preventing whereas additionally accusing Western international locations of prolonging the battle by arming Ukraine.