China and Russia began joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan on Sunday as they seek to reinforce their partnership and counterbalance what they see as a US-led global order.
Alongside economic and political ties, Moscow and Beijing have strengthened their military cooperation in recent years, and their relations have deepened since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The 鈥楯oint Sea-2025鈥� exercises kicked off in waters near the Russian port of Vladivostok and would last for three days, China鈥檚 defence ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The two sides will hold 鈥榮ubmarine rescue, joint anti-submarine, air defence and anti-missile operations, and maritime combat鈥�.
Four Chinese vessels, including guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating in the exercises alongside Russian ships, the ministry said.
After the drills, the two countries will conduct naval patrols in 鈥榬elevant waters of the Pacific鈥�.
China and Russia have carried out annual drills for several years, with the 鈥楯oint Sea鈥� exercises beginning in 2012.
Last year鈥檚 drills were held along China鈥檚 southern coast.
The Chinese defence ministry said Friday that this year鈥檚 exercises were aimed at 鈥榝urther deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership鈥� of the two countries.
China has never denounced Russia鈥檚 more than three-year war nor called for it to withdraw its troops, and many of Ukraine鈥檚 allies, including the United States, believe that Beijing has provided support to Moscow.
China insists it is a neutral party, regularly calling for an end to the fighting while also accusing Western countries of prolonging the conflict by arming Ukraine.
