Main image: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, Author/source: SCANPIX/AFP/MIKHAIL METZEL
China announced that in August it will conduct joint naval and air exercises with Russia near Vladivostok, according to ERR.
The exercises, called “Joint Sea-2025,” are part of previously planned military cooperation between the two countries and, according to Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogan, are not directed against any third parties. After the exercises, Russia and China will carry out joint naval patrols in the Pacific Ocean waters.
In recent years, Moscow and Beijing have increased military cooperation, aiming to create a counterbalance to the US-led global order. Last year, similar exercises, “Joint Sea-2024,” took place off China’s southern coast.
The current exercises will take place ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to China in August. During the visit, Putin will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and ceremonial events, including a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He also intends to hold talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Relations between Russia and China worsened after Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine in February 2022. Despite this, China has not condemned the military actions or called on Russian forces to withdraw from Ukraine. Many of Ukraine’s allies believe that China supports Moscow.
