Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Wednesday, China announced that it would be conducting military exercises with Russia this August, involving naval and air exercises at Vladivostok, and joint naval patrols in the Pacific.
Beyond economic and political relations, Russia and China have also increased military ties in recent years as each nation is attempting to counter the hegemonic order they see as led by the United States.
What are the objectives of the joint Sea-2025 drills?
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese defence ministry, stated at a press conference on Wednesday that the “Joint Sea-2025” drills were only a part of “regular bilateral cooperation plans” and are “not directed against third parties.” They will also perform naval patrols in “relevant waters of the Pacific” after the exercise, Zhang said.
When is Putin scheduled to visit China?
Ahead of Vladimir Putin look planned trip to China, he is participating in the “Joint Sea-2025” exercise. He will then attend a Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and remember celebrations including a military parade to mark the 80th Anniversary of the conclusion of World War Two, where he will likely meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
How has military cooperation between China and Russia evolved?
Russia continues to provide China with high-end military technologies, including missile systems, air defence systems and electronic warfare systems. China benefits from having this access and engages in joint development projects with Russian companies on systems such as radars and helicopters. In addition, China has shown a tendency to reverse-engineer Russian systems, which is a bit shady.
Why does Beijing claim neutrality in the Ukraine war?
China has yet to condemn Russia’s now three-year military aggression or call for troop removal, with many of Ukraine’s partners suspecting that Beijing has assisted Moscow.
China continues to insist that it is a neutral player, calling for an end to the conflict while simultaneously blaming the West for prolonging it by providing military support to Ukraine. Xi told Russia’s foreign minister in July in Beijing that the countries need to “increase mutual support.”
When did Russia and China last hold military drills?
“Joint Sea-2024”, conducted last year, along/China’s southern coast, offshore of Zhenjiang in Guangdong Province, on the South China Sea, was the last joint naval exercise that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Russian navy conducted, and that was held in July 2024.
There were numerous regular military-related activities undertaken during the exercises, both pre-planned anti-missile training and naval strikes, air defence operations, simulated missile firing, gun firing training, and maritime rescue operations. According to officials, the joint naval exercises were meant to demonstrate both countries’ will and capabilities in combating maritime security threats, while also maintaining regional and global peace and stability.
