Russia and China Conduct Joint Naval Drills in South China Sea, Highlighting Growing Strategic Partnership

In a display of military cooperation, the Russian Federation and China have successfully conducted joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, showcasing their growing strategic partnership amidst tensions with the United States. The “Joint Sea-2024” exercise, which began on July 15 and concluded on July 17, involved ships from the Russian Pacific Fleet and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in anti-submarine warfare drills and artillery firing exercises.

The exercise, which marks the 13th iteration of the Maritime Interaction series, aimed to develop and refine common operational protocols between the two navies and exchange valuable technical expertise. The joint detachment included the Russian Pacific Fleet corvettes “Loud” and “Rezky,” three warships, and one auxiliary vessel from the PLA Navy. The exercise involved detecting and conditionally destroying a simulated “enemy” submarine using rocket bomb launchers, as well as firing artillery at designated sea targets.

The Russian Navy’s Pacific fleet press service did not specify the origin of the enemy submarine, but considering the exercise was conducted in the South China Sea, it is likely that the simulated target was meant to imitate a submarine from the United States. The exercise also included joint patrols in the western and northern Pacific, practicing search and arrest operations, and coordinating joint search efforts to assist a distressed submarine in an emergency and rescue sailors from the water.

Captain 1st Rank Alexei Antsiferov, commander of the Russian ship detachment, emphasized that the alliance did not threaten other states but rather symbolized the maintenance of stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that the exercises aimed to strengthen both countries’ capacities and resolve to work together to counter threats to maritime security and uphold regional and international peace.

The exercises come at a time of heightened tensions between China and the Philippines in the region, with China escalating its military presence in conjunction with the Russian military. The Russian Navy leads the way in developing strategies to combat advanced threats like unmanned combat boats, drones, and NATO cruise missiles, which could be employed in potential conflicts involving the PLA Navy.

In response to this burgeoning cooperation between Russia and China, the United States has taken proactive measures to boost its regional alliances. The “Freedom Edge” trilateral drill involving the US, Japan, and South Korea, conducted in the East China Sea near Jeju Island from June 27 to June 29, 2024, highlighted Washington’s efforts to fortify its alliances with nations that perceive increasing threats from China’s expanding military presence and maneuvers.

The “Joint Sea-2024” exercise demonstrates the growing strategic partnership between Russia and China, underscoring their commitment to maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. As students preparing for competitive exams, it is essential to understand the significance of this exercise in the context of global politics and military cooperation.

Historical Context:

The South China Sea has been a contentious region in recent years, with multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others, claiming sovereignty over various islands and waters. The United States has been increasingly involved in the region, conducting freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) to challenge China’s territorial claims and maintain a balance of power. Russia has also been expanding its presence in the region, with a focus on developing its military capabilities and strengthening its relationships with countries such as China and Vietnam.

The “Joint Sea-2024” exercise is the 13th iteration of the Maritime Interaction series between Russia and China, which began in 2012. The exercises have grown in scope and complexity over the years, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. The exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions between China and the Philippines, with China escalating its military presence in the region.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Russia and China conducted joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, known as “Joint Sea-2024,” from July 15 to July 17. • The exercise involved ships from the Russian Pacific Fleet and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in anti-submarine warfare drills and artillery firing exercises. • The joint detachment included corvettes, warships, and an auxiliary vessel from the PLA Navy. • The exercise aimed to develop and refine common operational protocols between the two navies and exchange technical expertise. • The simulated “enemy” submarine was likely meant to imitate a submarine from the United States. • The exercise included joint patrols in the western and northern Pacific, practicing search and arrest operations, and coordinating joint search efforts to assist a distressed submarine in an emergency. • The Russian Navy’s Pacific fleet press service emphasized that the alliance did not threaten other states but rather maintained stability in the Asia-Pacific region. • The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that the exercises aimed to strengthen both countries’ capacities and resolve to work together to counter threats to maritime security and uphold regional and international peace. • The exercise demonstrates the growing strategic partnership between Russia and China, underscoring their commitment to maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. • The United States has taken proactive measures to boost its regional alliances, including the “Freedom Edge” trilateral drill involving the US, Japan, and South Korea. • The “Joint Sea-2024” exercise highlights the increasing cooperation between Russia and China, which could have implications for regional and global security.