The Navies of China and Russia have reported that the combined naval exercise they are conducting in the Sea of Japan, named Northern/Interaction-2024, has entered its second phase, during which live-fire drills will be carried out. This is an important activity that reflects the high degree of cooperation between both Navies, also considering the simultaneous patrol exercises between the Coast Guards of both countries.
It is worth remembering that Northern/Interaction-2024 began earlier this month when the warships currently deployed departed from the Russian port of Vladivostok to the exercise area. The first phase was completed as part of the activities within the Ocean-2024 exercise, the largest deployment of both countries since the 1990s. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) announced the participation of its destroyers Xining and Wuxi, the frigate Linyi, and the supply ship Taihu.
The main objective of the exercise, according to official statements from the Chinese Navy, is to conduct highly realistic combat simulations to advance the development of standardized protocols for both forces. So far, this includes exercises in air defense and anti-missile operations, maritime escort missions, and the aforementioned live-fire drills planned for the second phase of the exercise, which is already being conducted independently of Ocean-2024.
Finally, regarding the combined activity between the Chinese and Russian Coast Guards, it should be mentioned that it took place between the 16th and 20th of this month near Peter the Great Gulf, which includes Amur and Ussuri Bays in the Russian Primorye region. Just a day later, the vessels involved were deployed on a joint patrol in international waters of the North Pacific.
*Image credits: Chinese Navy
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