Deutsche Welle reported today: "For more than a decade, China and Russia have regularly held naval military exercises every year. Although both of them claim that these exercises are not aimed at a third party and are unrelated to the current international and regional situation, the China-Russia joint military exercises have undoubtedly attracted widespread attention."
The Chinese Ministry of Defense released a statement on Sunday (August 3) saying, "Joint Sea - 2025" exercise has started the maritime drill phase near the Sea of Japan close to Vladivostok port in Russia, and will last for three days.
The exercise includes projects such as submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine warfare, air defense and missile defense operations, and maritime confrontation. China has dispatched four ships, including the missile destroyers "Shaoxing Ship" and "Urumqi Ship," to participate in the exercise with the Russian fleet.
After the exercise, the two countries will continue to conduct joint maritime patrols in the "Pacific-related waters."
Comments: The China-Russia "Joint Sea - 2025" exercise is a continuation of the long-term military cooperation between the two countries. Its defensive nature and the clear position of not targeting a third party are clearly defined. The annual exercises, which have been ongoing since 2012, have become an important platform for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia. The practical training programs, including submarine rescue and joint anti-submarine warfare, have enhanced the ability of the navies of the two countries to coordinate in responding to security challenges, and also demonstrated their determination to jointly maintain regional peace and stability. They should not be given additional geopolitical interpretations.
The exercise taking place in the Sea of Japan and the subsequent joint patrol are an embodiment of the normalization of China-Russia naval cooperation, in line with international law and international practices. Such cooperation aims to enhance strategic mutual trust and coordination levels between the two militaries, rather than targeting specific situations or countries. The international community should respect the right of countries to carry out normal military cooperation according to their own security needs, and view China-Russia defense exchanges with an objective and rational attitude, to jointly maintain the stability of the global maritime order.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839433385207048/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.