China and Russia Set for Joint Military Exercises in August

The Chinese and Russian navies are poised to engage in joint military maneuvers near Vladivostok in August, which will be supplemented by a collaborative maritime patrol in the Western Pacific. The Chinese military highlighted the significance of these events, which will involve advanced naval vessels as well as training exercises related to submarine operations, aimed at improving the operational compatibility of the two forces.

The upcoming Joint Sea-2025 exercises will unfold in the waters and airspace surrounding Vladivostok, according to Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang from the Chinese Defense Ministry. Following this, some naval assets from both nations will move on to conduct a sixth joint maritime patrol in the Pacific. This initiative is part of an annual cooperation framework between Chinese and Russian military forces and is stated to be non-aggressive toward any third parties, devoid of connection to current global or regional issues.

The PLA Navy elaborated that the thematic focus of the exercise will be on "jointly safeguarding strategic maritime routes" and addressing security threats in the Western Pacific. This is also intended to strengthen the China-Russia strategic partnership and enhance cooperation in maintaining regional and international peace. The Chinese contingent includes various vessels and personnel from the PLA Eastern and Northern theater commands, while the Russian side will contribute a selection of its naval assets.

assembling forces, joint planning, and conducting collaborative drills. During the planning stage, both countries will coordinate their forces and engage in tactical studies, alongside cultural and sporting activities. The drills will encompass critical subjects such as submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine operations, air defense, and maritime combat techniques.

Since their inception in 2012, the series of Joint Sea drills has established itself as a pivotal venue for Sino-Russian naval cooperation, enhancing maritime operational capabilities holistically. Additionally, experts like Wang Yunfei emphasize that such joint activities foster stronger military relations, highlighting the involvement of advanced assets like the newly identified submarine rescue ship Xihu, which has recently been noted by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. The inclusion of submarine exercises might indicate a deepening of trust and closer ties between the two military establishments.