In a significant show of military cooperation, China announced on Friday that it had commenced joint military exercises with Russia, dubbed Joint Sea-2024, along its southern coast.
These drills, which began in early July and are set to continue until mid-month, take place in the waters and airspace around Zhanjiang, located in Guangdong province.
The Chinese Defense Ministry characterized the exercises as a demonstration of the two nations’ resolve and capabilities in addressing maritime security threats.
The statement emphasized that these military operations aim to preserve both global and regional peace and stability while further solidifying the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia.
The timing of these drills is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with a NATO summit held in Washington this week. At the summit, NATO leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine amidst ongoing hostilities from Russia.
The alliance issued a declaration labeling China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which drew a sharp warning from Beijing against what it views as NATO’s provocations.
In response to the joint military activities, Japan expressed serious concerns regarding national security. Officials in Tokyo have highlighted that the growing military collaboration between China and Russia poses a “grave concern,” particularly given their proximity to Japanese territory.
Over the past few years, China and Russia have cultivated closer ties, often presenting their partnership as having “no limits.” Both nations share antagonistic views towards NATO, which has further propelled their collaboration on military fronts.
The Chinese Defense Ministry underscored that the current exercises align with the annual military engagement plan between the two countries, reflecting a deepening of their strategic partnership.
In addition to the exercises with Russia, Chinese forces are also conducting military drills this week in collaboration with Belarus, another key ally of Moscow. These activities are perceived as part of a broader strategy by China and Russia to project power and counter Western influence in the region.
While China insists it remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict, it faces mounting criticism from Western nations for its political and economic support for Russia, including the ongoing trade of goods that encompass both civilian and military applications.
This support has raised alarms in Washington and across NATO countries, who are closely monitoring developments in the region.
As tensions escalate, the international community is left to grapple with the implications of the growing military cooperation between China and Russia.
Observers note that these drills not only reinforce the strategic alignment of the two nations but also signal a potential shift in the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The Joint Sea-2024 exercises serve as a reminder of the intricate geopolitical landscape characterized by shifting alliances and military posturing.
As NATO continues to bolster its support for Ukraine, the evolving dynamics between China and Russia could lead to significant ramifications for global security and diplomatic relations in the years to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members