The navies of China and Russia concluded their naval exercises in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk

After several days of intense exercises conducted in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, the navies of China and Russia concluded the Combined Exercise North/Interaction-2024. This naval deployment, which began on September 10, showcased the combined work and high levels of cooperation achieved between both countries, with the objective of ensuring maritime security in the region.

In this edition, not only Russian naval forces participated but also aerial forces, which were deployed near Japan. This location raised alarms among several analysts, as it is not the first time that China and Russia have sought to demonstrate their presence there. Earlier, a Chinese Shaanxi Y-9Z electronic warfare aircraft, belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAF), had violated Japanese territorial airspace.

According to the press release, the exercise focused on joint maritime defense, with air and naval forces from both nations improving their capabilities in handling complex and realistic scenarios. Other activities included maritime-air escort training, anti-aircraft defense, and naval artillery firing exercises.

During the second phase, which began around September 23, the navies of China and Russia conducted combat simulations that emulated real conditions to advance the development of standardized protocols for both forces.

The exercise involved the deployment of more than ten warships and over thirty aircraft to carry out drills in the waters and airspaces of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. Additionally, the forces and personnel tested both sides’ capabilities in coordinating tactical command and joint operations, deepening strategic cooperation.

Lastly, the spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) stated that in the coming days, a flotilla of Chinese and Russian warships would conduct a joint maritime patrol in Pacific waters, demonstrating the level of cooperation and relations between the two countries. The last patrol took place in July of this year, while the first three joint maritime patrols were carried out in October 2021, September 2022, and July 2023, according to official statements.

Images: Credits to respective sources.

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