Six days of joint military drills between China and Russia have concluded in the Sea of Japan, with the aim of deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries and enhancing their ability to respond to security threats. Named Northern/Interaction-2024, the drills are expected to continue in the Sea of Okhotsk later this month.
According to China’s Ministry of Defence, the Chinese navy will also take part in Russia’s larger Ocean-2024 strategic exercise, involving over 400 warships, submarines, and support vessels, more than 120 planes and helicopters, and over 90,000 troops. The Chinese fleet participating in the exercises includes guided-missile destroyers, frigates, a replenishment ship, and three shipborne helicopters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the drills, which involved more than 90,000 Russian troops, were the largest of their kind in three decades. He highlighted that the United States and its allies have been increasing their military presence near Russia’s borders and in the Asia-Pacific region under the pretext of countering alleged threats.
Through these joint exercises, Russia has sought Chinese assistance in becoming a Pacific power, while Moscow has supported China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and beyond. The drills reflect the growing military and strategic partnership between China and Russia, despite opposition from Western powers.
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