China and Russia Launch Joint Naval Drills in Sea of Japan

China and Russia commenced joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan on August 3, 2025, as both nations aim to strengthen their military partnership. This collaboration serves as a counterbalance to what they perceive as a United States-led global order. The exercises, known as “Joint Sea-2025,” began in waters close to the Russian port city of Vladivostok and are scheduled to last for three days.

The drills involve a range of military operations, including submarine rescue, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, anti-missile operations, and maritime combat exercises. According to the Chinese Defence Ministry, four Chinese vessels, including the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating alongside Russian naval ships.

The exercises are part of a broader effort to enhance military cooperation that has intensified in recent years, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The two countries have conducted annual military drills since 2012, with last year’s exercises taking place along China’s southern coast. Following the current drills, China and Russia plan to conduct naval patrols in what they refer to as “relevant waters of the Pacific.”

Strengthening Ties Amid Global Tensions

The Chinese Defence Ministry emphasized that this year’s exercises aim to “further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two nations. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, China has not condemned Russia’s actions nor called for a withdrawal of its troops. This stance has raised concerns among Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, which suspect that China may be providing some level of support to Russia.

China insists on its position as a neutral party in the conflict, regularly advocating for an end to hostilities while accusing Western nations of exacerbating the situation by supplying arms to Ukraine. The ongoing drills in the Sea of Japan highlight the growing military cooperation between China and Russia, as both nations seek to assert their influence on the global stage.

The significance of these exercises extends beyond military strategy; they also reflect a shifting geopolitical landscape, with both countries reinforcing their alliances in response to perceived external threats. As the drills progress, observers will closely monitor the implications for regional security and international relations.