Tue Sep 10 16:28:14 UTC 2024: ## Russia and China Launch Massive Joint Naval and Air Drills in Pacific
**MOSCOW/BEIJING** – Russia and China launched a major joint military exercise dubbed “Ocean-2024” on Tuesday, involving more than 400 naval vessels, 120 military aircraft and 90,000 troops. The drills, which will continue until September 16, are seen as a direct challenge to the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The exercise, which includes forces from China and 15 observer countries, is taking place across a vast expanse of oceans, including the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of strengthening military cooperation with “friendly states,” specifically referencing China. He also issued a warning to the United States, accusing it of increasing its military presence near Russia’s borders and pursuing a policy of containing Russia and China.
“Under the pretext of countering the allegedly existing Russian threat and containing the People’s Republic of China, the United States and its satellites are increasing their military presence near Russia’s western borders, in the Arctic, and in the Asia-Pacific region,” Putin stated.
Experts say the joint exercises are a clear demonstration of deepening military ties between Russia and China, aiming to counter the growing security coordination between the United States and its allies in the region.
Stephen Nagy, a regional security expert at the International Christian University in Japan, said the exercise is a show of strength by both countries. “Russia wants to demonstrate that they can engage in a full-scale war with Ukraine while deploying resources to the Indo-Pacific region, and China wants to show that they can deepen its relationship with Russia and cause problems in the region,” he said.
China’s defense ministry emphasized the exercises’ role in strengthening bilateral strategic cooperation and their ability to respond to security threats in the region. They will also conduct their fifth joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean as part of the exercise.
While the drills are primarily aimed at the United States, analysts also point to the exercise’s implications for Japan, which has expressed concern over the growing military cooperation between Russia and China. Japan views their joint activities as a “grave concern” and a demonstration of force against its national security.
Despite concerns, experts believe that while the cooperation between Russia and China is increasing, it still has limitations. While they may coordinate their movements and logistics, they have not yet achieved full interoperability or inter-command capability. However, the drills are seen as a step towards enhanced cooperation, including sharing data, communication channels, and logistics support.
The exercise is a key part of both countries’ efforts to counter the US and its allies in the region, with Beijing and Moscow holding at least three joint military drills since July.
Analysts believe that while China and Russia are challenging the US and NATO, they are unlikely to escalate their partnership beyond a certain point. China, in particular, seeks to maintain its narrative as a non-hegemonic power.
The exercise comes amidst ongoing tensions between the US and China, including a recent video phone call between top military commanders from the US and China. This recent communication highlights the complex and delicate balance in the region as tensions continue to simmer.
First Piper 