China and Russia have launched a joint air and sea drill in the Sea of Japan, signaling increased military cooperation between the two nations. The exercise, codenamed "Northern/Interaction-2023," aims to safeguard strategic waterways and comes amid strained relations between both countries and the United States. The drill marks the first time Russian forces have participated in such an exercise.
China's naval flotilla, consisting of five warships and four ship-borne helicopters, departed from the port of Qingdao and will rendezvous with Russian forces in a predetermined area. On July 15, the ministry announced that Russian naval and air forces would also take part in the drill.
Prior to the joint exercise, the Russian warships Gromkiy and Sovershenniy conducted separate training with the Chinese navy in Shanghai. These activities drew the attention of Taiwan and Japan, prompting them to monitor the movements of the Russian warships as they sailed past their territories.
The growing military partnership between China and Russia gained momentum after the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. In the aftermath, presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping declared an extensive partnership aimed at countering the influence of the United States. Strengthening military ties has been a notable aspect of this partnership.
Recent meetings between high-ranking officials from both countries have reiterated the commitment to enhance military cooperation. China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu and the head of the Russian Navy, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, reaffirmed their dedication to stronger military ties during a meeting in Beijing. Additionally, Chinese military Chief of Joint Staff Liu Zhenli and Russia's Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov made a similar pledge during a video call in June.
The joint air and sea drill in the Sea of Japan represents a significant step forward in China-Russia military cooperation. As both nations seek to strengthen their strategic partnership, such exercises serve to demonstrate their joint capabilities and send a message to other global powers.
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