Mon Sep 09 14:03:00 UTC 2024: ## China and Russia to Conduct Joint Naval and Air Drills in the Pacific
**BEIJING/MOSCOW** – In a move highlighting the deepening partnership between the two nations, China and Russia have announced joint naval and air drills in the Pacific Ocean this September. The exercises, dubbed “North-Joint 2024,” will involve maritime patrols around the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, off Russia’s coast.
According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the drills aim to enhance strategic cooperation between the two militaries and bolster their ability to address security threats. This joint exercise comes alongside China’s participation in Russia’s “Ocean-2024” strategic command and staff exercise, which will involve all branches of Russia’s armed forces.
This collaboration underscores the growing alignment of China and Russia, both militarily and economically, in opposition to what they perceive as Western hegemony. Russia is seeking China’s support in strengthening its position as a Pacific power, while China has benefitted from Moscow’s backing of its territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the strategically important Taiwan Strait.
The drills come amidst heightened tensions between Russia and the West following the invasion of Ukraine, with China facing increasing scrutiny for its perceived support of the Russian military operation. The US and its allies have accused China of enabling the invasion, a claim Beijing vehemently denies.
These joint exercises represent a significant escalation of military cooperation between China and Russia, signaling a potential shift in the global power balance and raising concerns about increased instability in the Asia-Pacific region.
First Piper 