Beijing, China – China announced on Friday that it is conducting joint military drills with Russia along its southern coast. This move follows a US-led Western defense alliance meeting in Washington and Japan’s warning of the growing threat from Beijing’s close ties with Moscow.
The Chinese defense ministry stated that the exercises, named Joint Sea-2024, began in “early July” and will continue until mid-July. The drills are taking place in the waters and airspace around Zhanjiang, a city in southern Guangdong province.
Objectives and Strategic Implications
According to the ministry, the purpose of the drills is to “demonstrate the resolve and capabilities of the two sides in jointly addressing maritime security threats and preserving global and regional peace and stability.” The exercises aim to deepen the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
The drills are part of the annual military engagement plan between Beijing and Moscow, reflecting the close military cooperation between the two nations.
Related Developments
The announcement coincides with NATO leaders convening in Washington to reaffirm support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. In a declaration on Wednesday, NATO leaders stated that China had “become a decisive enabler” of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting Beijing to caution NATO against “provoking confrontation.”
China maintains that it is not directly involved in the Ukraine conflict but faces criticism from Western leaders for providing political and economic support to Russia, including trading goods with both civilian and military uses.
Broader Military Activities
Chinese forces are also conducting drills this week with Belarus, another Russian ally, near NATO’s eastern border. This aligns with China’s broader strategy of strengthening military alliances with nations hostile to NATO.
Japan’s Concerns
On Friday, Japan expressed “grave concern” over joint China-Russia military activities near its territory. Japanese authorities view these activities as a significant threat to national security.
Conclusion
China and Russia have increasingly touted their friendship as having “no limits,” particularly in their mutual hostility towards NATO. These joint drills underscore the deepening military ties between Beijing and Moscow, amid rising tensions with Western alliances.
The evolving geopolitical landscape suggests that the China-Russia alliance will continue to challenge Western defense strategies, with significant implications for global peace and stability.