The naval forces of China and Russia began joint exercises in the Sea of Japan on Sunday under the codename Maritime Interaction 2025 (IM 2025). The three-day maneuvers aim to “further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two countries, according to authorities in Beijing.
A statement quoted by the Chinese Ministry of Defense emphasized that the exercises are taking place in the region near the Russian port of Vladivostok.
As part of this year’s drills, Chinese and Russian vessels will take part in “submarine rescue operations, joint anti-submarine warfare, air and missile defense, and combat operations at sea.”
The Chinese side is contributing four vessels to the exercise, including the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi. After the drills conclude, both countries will carry out joint maritime patrols in “key waters of the Pacific.”
China and Russia have held joint naval exercises for years, including under the Maritime Interaction banner since 2012.
China’s communist authorities have never publicly condemned Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and over the past three years have strengthened economic, military, and political ties with Moscow.
In 2024, the navies of both nations conducted a series of joint maritime and aerial patrols and exercises in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. Last year, there were numerous incursions into Japanese airspace by Russian and Chinese aircraft, prompting strong protests from Tokyo.