#China #Russia #MilitaryExercises #PacificRegion #NATo #Geopolitics #BRICS #StrategicPartnership
China and Russia are set for a series of joint military exercises this month, bolstering their presence in the Pacific region. Announced on Monday, China confirmed the participation of its naval and air forces in the “North-Joint 2024” exercises. These drills will take place around the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, a location likely to raise concerns in Tokyo and among Western nations. As per China’s defense ministry, the exercises aim to deepen strategic cooperation between the Chinese and Russian militaries, enhancing their ability to tackle security threats jointly. Although no specific dates were provided, it’s known that the drills will commence later this month, and both nations will send naval fleets for joint maritime patrols. Additionally, they are also set to participate in Russia’s “Ocean-2024” strategic exercise.
The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions with NATO, which has accused China of enabling Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. In response, Beijing has warned NATO and the United States against provoking confrontation. According to Germany’s Deutsche Welle, Russia seeks China’s aid to bolster its standing as a Pacific power in waters historically dominated by the U.S. Naval forces. A mutual understanding between Beijing and Moscow appears to assist Russia in strengthening its territorial claims, particularly in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. This cooperation exemplifies the growing alignment between the two countries amid their opposition to perceived Western hegemony, marked notably by Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin’s pledge of a “no limits” partnership.
State-run Chinese newspaper Global Times posits that these upcoming military exercises serve as a necessary deterrent against any external forces attempting to interfere in the Pacific region. The exercises and ongoing strategic cooperation between the two nations underscore their close military ties. A Beijing-based military expert emphasized that such high-level collaboration between China and Russia reinforces both regional and global peace and stability, serving as a formidable deterrent against any threats. This strategic level of partnership is part of a broader trend, as the two countries frequently organize joint naval and air patrols, furthering their pragmatic military cooperation.
In August, President Putin hosted Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Moscow, lauding the economic and trade ties between their countries as “yielding results.” This meeting underscored the deepening bilateral relationship spanning economic, trade, and military dimensions. The joint military exercises scheduled for later this month symbolize this growing alliance and reflect broader geopolitical shifts, particularly concerning the BRICS nations’ collective opposition to Western dominance. As China and Russia continue to fortify their partnership, the implications for global security dynamics and regional power balances become increasingly significant.
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