The Chinese Defence Ministry said the operation aims to “further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership” between Beijing and Moscow. Following the drills, both navies will continue joint patrols in parts of the Pacific Ocean. Russia’s Pacific Fleet claimed the drills are defensive and “not directed against other countries,” while Japan’s Ministry of Defence raised concerns in a recent report, warning that increasing China-Russia military cooperation poses serious security threats in the region.

China has provided economic support to Russia during its ongoing war in Ukraine and has refrained from condemning Moscow’s invasion. Despite calls from European leaders to pressure Russia for peace, Beijing has insisted on its neutrality—regularly calling for an end to the war while blaming Western countries for prolonging the conflict by supplying arms to Ukraine.

Annual Drills Reflect A Decade Of Strategic Convergence

The "Joint Sea" exercises, which began over a decade ago, have become a regular feature of China-Russia defense cooperation. Last year’s iteration took place off China’s southern coast. This year’s shift to the Sea of Japan reflects a broader strategic posture amid intensifying geopolitical divisions, particularly in East Asia.

The latest drills coincide with a fragile global environment, where competing alliances are redrawing security lines from Europe to the Pacific. Beijing and Moscow’s show of unity at sea underscores their growing alignment in military affairs and regional strategy, with broader implications for the U.S. and its partners in the Indo-Pacific.