China-Russia Joint Military Exercise Enters Second Phase

The second phase of the Northern/Interaction-2024 joint military exercise between China and Russia has commenced, with warships from both countries scheduled to participate in live-fire drills in the Sea of Japan. This exercise, along with a concurrent joint coast guard exercise and patrol, underscores the deepening security and defense cooperation between the two nations.

The opening ceremony for the Northern/Interaction-2024 exercise was held at a Russian naval port on September 21st, 2024. Following the ceremony, warships from both navies set sail towards the designated exercise zone. The joint drills will focus on various objectives, including maritime and air escort, alert and defense, air defense and anti-missile operations, and live-fire shooting.

A Chinese commander highlighted the maturity and standardized procedures of the Northern/Interaction series of drills, emphasizing the increasing realism of the exercise scenarios. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the deployment of a joint detachment of ships from Vladivostok, scheduled to conduct exercises in the Sea of Japan throughout the week.

The Chinese naval contingent, comprising destroyers Xining and Wuxi, frigate Linyi, and supply ship Taihu, had previously engaged with their Russian counterparts in the first phase of the exercise. This initial phase, held from September 9th to 15th, took place in the waters and airspaces of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, coinciding with Russia's Ocean-2024 strategic exercise.

The separation of the exercise into two phases allows for focused training, according to a Chinese military expert. The expert also emphasized the significance of these consecutive military interactions in bolstering strategic cooperation between the two countries, contributing to global peace and stability as permanent members of the UN Security Council.

In addition to the military exercise, the two countries' coast guards conducted a joint drill near the Peter the Great Bay from September 16th to 20th. Subsequently, they commenced a joint patrol in international waters of the North Pacific on September 21st. These activities demonstrate a high level of security and defense cooperation, encompassing both military and law enforcement aspects. Experts believe this collaboration contributes to maintaining international maritime order and advancing ocean governance.