In the coming weeks, the navies of China and Russia will carry out a new naval exercise in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. Among other activities, both forces will also conduct patrols to enhance cooperation and coordination.
For several years now, such exercises have been common between the two countries, demonstrating their ability to work together in an increasingly hostile Indo-Pacific scenario. Analysts point out that the relationship between China and Russia has reached its most strategic level, highlighting that the strong capabilities of their militaries can serve as a deterrent to any opposing forces.
In this edition of the Northern/Interaction-2024 exercise, organized by China, not only Russian naval assets but also air forces will participate and will be deployed near Japan. The specific aircraft and vessels to be used have yet to be confirmed.
For many, the location of the exercise raises concerns, especially after a Chinese Shaanxi Y-9Z electronic warfare aircraft, belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), violated territorial airspace near the Danjo Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, in the East China Sea, in late August.
It is worth noting that China has organized several editions of the Interaction series of maneuvers with Russia, including Western/Interaction-2021, held in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwestern China with land and air forces, and Northern/Interaction-2023, held in the Sea of Japan with naval and air forces. Additionally, a Sino-Russian naval flotilla will conduct the fifth joint maritime patrol in the Pacific Ocean, and China will participate in Russia’s strategic Ocean-2024 exercise.
The latest naval exercises took place in July under the name “Joint Sea 2024,” where the navies conducted drills in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, defending a group of ships against air threats, and escorting maritime convoys. They also carried out combined search and rescue drills at sea, off the coast of Zhanjiang city.
Images used for illustration purposes.
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