China and Russia Test US Military Dominance in Major Joint Drill

China and Russia Expand Naval Cooperation in the Pacific

China and Russia are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the Pacific next week, as reported by the Chinese defense ministry. This move highlights the growing strategic alignment between the two nations, which have been strengthening their security ties through a series of bilateral and multilateral drills over the years.

Why It Matters

The partnership between China and Russia has evolved significantly in recent years. They have engaged in numerous combined military exercises, covering areas such as naval and air patrols, as well as computer simulations. According to analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies' China Power Project, more than half of the 113 combined drills since 2003 have occurred in the past six years.

This cooperation is particularly evident in the Pacific region. Although there is no formal treaty between Beijing and Moscow, both countries share a common goal of challenging U.S. military dominance and expanding their influence in key regions.

What to Know

During a regular news conference, Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang announced that the People's Liberation Army Navy will join Russia's Pacific Fleet for drills in the Sea of Japan. These exercises will take place near Vladivostok, a city in far eastern Russia. The drills, named Maritime Interaction 2025, will begin on August 1, according to a statement from the Russian Pacific Fleet shared by state media.

Both countries emphasized that the exercises are not directed at any third party. The training will include anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and search-and-rescue operations. Additionally, "joint gun" exercises will be conducted. Participating Russian ships will be led by the large anti-submarine warfare ship Admiral Tributs, while the Chinese contingent will be led by the Type 052 guided-missile destroyer Shaoxing. Diesel-electric submarines and naval aircraft from both countries will also participate in the drills.

After the exercises, the two sides will deploy to an unspecified location in the Pacific Ocean for their sixth joint maritime patrol, as mentioned by Zhang.

What People Have Said

Zhang Xiaogang, the Chinese defense ministry spokesperson, stated that this exercise is part of the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries. He added that it is not targeted at any third party and is unrelated to current international or regional situations.

Garrett Campbell, a retired U.S. Navy captain and adviser to NATO on Russian military strategy, noted in a June article that the increase in bilateral military activities is directly linked to a shared strategic vision held by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Campbell also highlighted that Putin, often viewed in the U.S. national security community as a tactical opportunist, has committed Russia to a long-term confrontation with the West.

What's Next

The last two days of the drills will coincide with a joint exercise between the Indian and Philippine navies in the South China Sea. This event has been seen as a show of support from New Delhi for its U.S. treaty ally in its ongoing territorial dispute with China.

As China and Russia continue to strengthen their military ties, the implications for global geopolitics remain significant. Their collaboration not only challenges U.S. influence but also signals a shift in the balance of power in the Pacific and beyond. With further exercises planned and increasing coordination, the future of this quasi-alliance remains a topic of keen interest among analysts and policymakers worldwide.