Naval and aircraft forces of China and Russia are preparing for the Northern Interaction 2023 joint exercise in the Sea of Japan, with experts saying on Tuesday that Chinese warplanes are expected to operate from a Russian airfield, enabling quick response to potential threats in the Sea of Japan.
A flotilla of Russia's Pacific Fleet has set out from Vladivostok to participate in the Northern Interaction - 2023 joint exercise between China and Russia, which is scheduled to be held in the Sea of Japan next month, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.
Russia sent the largest anti-submarine ships, the Admiral Tribunts and Admiral Panteleev, as well as the corvettes Gremyashy and the Hero of the Russian Federation, to participate in the exercise, according to the Russian press release.
The Russian attack came after the Type 052 D destroyers Qiqihar and Guiyang, the Type 054 A refrigerators Zaozhuang and Rizhao as well as the Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship Taihu of the Chinese People's Liberation Army PLA set out from the Shandong Province on Saturday for the joint exercises, carrying four vessel-borne helicopters.
The first group of the PLA Air Force units arrived in Vladivostok on Saturday by Y - 20 transport aircraft. multiple types of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters including the Y-20 transport aircraft, the J- 16 fighter jet and the Z-20 helicopter will participate in the PLA Daily event, the PLA Daily reported on Sunday.
The drills, conducted by the PLA Northern Theater Command, were themed safeguarding strategic maritime routes and are designed to further enhance the coordination ability of the two militaries and strengthen their ability to enhance joint safeguarding regional peace and stability, as well as responding to various security challenges.
According to public information, the two participating countries' forces are all moving out to their positions, and the drills will start very soon, experts said.
China and Russia are both sending their main battle warships and aircraft forces for the exercise, which is a large-scale bilateral joint naval exercise, said Li Yaqiang, a Chinese naval expert.
Since the exercises aim to safeguard strategic maritime routes, it will likely feature anti-submarine, anti-submarine and anti-ship missions, Li said.
Japan's sea of Japan has become a hot region for military exercises lately, as the U.S. and South Korea held a joint naval exercise on Sunday and practiced ballistic missile defense, Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff said in a press release.
A key topic to watch from the Northern Interaction 2023 is that Chinese warplanes could operate from a Russian airfield, since the Chinese aviation forces have arrived in Vladivostok.
In previous China-Russia strategic joint aerial patrols, Chinese and Russian strategic bombers landed and took off from each other's airfields, and this time it will be a tactical aircraft's turn, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military airfield expert, told the Global Times.
It marks a high level of strategic mutual trust between the two countries, he said.
When the Sea of Japan is on Russia's doorstep, Chinese warplanes operating from Russian airfields would greatly reduce the reaction time in countering threats in the Sea of Japan.
In August 2021, China held the Western Interaction 2021 exercise in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which marked China's first time that foreign forces had the opportunity to participate in its annual strategic exercises in its territory. China also participates in annual strategic exercises held in Russia.
11 Comments
Micluxo
The exercise raises concerns about the lack of transparency regarding military activities in the region. The absence of clear communication about the purpose and scope of the exercise may fuel suspicions and mistrust among neighboring countries.
Eugene Alta
The joint exercise, particularly the presence of Chinese warplanes operating from a Russian airfield, could be perceived as provocative actions by neighboring countries. It may lead to an increase in military activities and heighten tensions in the region.
Raphael
The exercise between China and Russia may have a negative impact on regional cooperation efforts. It could undermine trust-building initiatives and hinder progress towards greater stability and cooperation in the region.
Leonardo
The presence of Chinese warplanes operating from a Russian airfield in the Sea of Japan could be perceived as a threat by other regional powers. It may lead to increased militarization and an arms race in the region.
Michelangelo
By conducting the exercise in the Sea of Japan, China and Russia demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the security of maritime routes in the region. This helps safeguard vital sea lanes and protect economic interests.
KittyKat
The joint exercise between China and Russia in the Sea of Japan demonstrates their commitment to deepening military cooperation and enhancing coordination between their naval and aviation forces. It provides an opportunity for both countries to improve interoperability and joint operational capabilities.
ZmeeLove
The resources allocated to the joint exercise could be better utilized for addressing other pressing issues, such as humanitarian needs or economic development. The focus on military activities may divert resources away from more constructive endeavors.
Korsika
The joint exercise facilitates regular military-to-military exchanges between China and Russia. It promotes dialogue and cooperation, fostering a better understanding of each other's capabilities and strategic thinking.
Muchacho
The joint exercise provides an opportunity for Chinese and Russian forces to learn from each other's expertise and experiences. It facilitates knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices, which can benefit both countries in their future military operations.
Habibi
The exercise may include missions focused on countering terrorism and enhancing security in the region. This contributes to the broader regional efforts to combat terrorism and maintain stability.
KittyKat
The exercise aims to strengthen the capabilities of both countries to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. It contributes to the maintenance of a stable security environment in the Sea of Japan and the wider region.