China and Russia have successfully concluded a joint naval exercise showcasing a significant level of combat readiness. The exercise involved live gun and missile firing in the waters off China’s southern coast, reflecting the ongoing enhancement of China-Russia military cooperation. After completing all scheduled training exercises, the China-Russia joint warship formation held a farewell ceremony in waters near Zhanjiang, South China’s Guangdong Province, on Wednesday afternoon. This marked the end of the six-day drill, as announced by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in a press release on Thursday.
Unified under the goal of addressing maritime security threats, the navies of both countries deployed seven warships for the exercise. China contributed the Type 052D destroyer Nanning, Type 054A frigates Xianning and Dali, and the Type 903 comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu. Russia sent the corvettes Gromkiy and Rezkiy, and the oiler Irkut, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV). The exercise was divided into two phases. During the harbor phase, from July 12 to Sunday, the activities included table wargames, professional exchanges, vessel visits, and friendly interactions such as tai chi practices, sports competitions, and deck receptions.
The sea phase commenced on Monday, featuring coordinated live training exercises. These included joint reconnaissance and early warning, joint search and rescue, and joint air and missile defense. These activities demonstrated the close and effective cooperation between the participating forces, according to the PLA Navy.
Joint Air and Missile Defense
A significant part of the exercise was a joint air and missile defense training session held on Wednesday morning. During this session, Chinese destroyer Nanning and Russian corvette Gromkiy intercepted simulated incoming high-speed anti-ship missiles. The Nanning successfully launched a ship-to-air missile, hitting its target, while the Gromkiy, positioned several nautical miles away, used its naval gun to intercept another target. A Chinese staff officer highlighted the importance of avoiding friendly fire and efficiently coordinating the attacks based on each ship’s capabilities. This coordination underscored the exercise’s focus on real-world tactical challenges and combat readiness.
The exercise enhanced professional exchanges, mutual understanding, and trust between the Chinese and Russian navies. It promoted high-level standardization and systematization in their pragmatic cooperation. Since its inception in 2012, the Joint Sea series of drills has become a key platform for China-Russia naval cooperation, significantly improving the level of maritime joint military operations. The commander of the naval formation noted that the exercise optimized the coordination mechanism between the two navies and enhanced interoperability among their ships. This demonstrated the firm determination of China and Russia to jointly safeguard maritime and regional peace and stability.
A Chinese military expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, emphasized the high level of actual combat orientation displayed during the exercise. The expert pointed out that the air and missile defense training session, which involved live gun and missile fires, simulated real-world threats to warships, such as anti-ship missiles. Zhang Junshe, another Chinese military expert, noted that both navies deployed some of their latest and most advanced combat vessels, highlighting the exercise’s combat orientation. The training courses were designed based on actual naval combat needs, further emphasizing the practical nature of the drill.
In a related development, China and Russia conducted their fourth joint naval patrol in the Asia-Pacific region from early July to mid-July. The joint patrol covered waters south of Jeju Island, transited through the Osumi Strait, sailed south through the West Pacific, and entered the South China Sea via the Balintang Channel. Photos released by the PLA Navy from the farewell ceremony of the Joint Sea-2024 exercise showed nine Chinese and Russian warships, more than the seven initially reported to have participated. This led observers to speculate that warships from the joint patrol might have joined the exercise.
Not Targeting a Third Party
Western media have linked the China-Russia naval cooperation to recent tensions in the South China Sea, suggesting connections to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and alleged confrontations with NATO. However, Chinese experts refuted these claims, emphasizing that the Joint Sea series of drills, held since 2012, are not targeted at any third party. Analysts argued that Western media’s speculation reveals their anxiety about normal China-Russia military cooperation. They stressed that unlike the US, which seeks to maintain its global military hegemony, China-Russia military cooperation contributes to stabilizing global and regional security.
The successful conclusion of the Joint Sea-2024 exercise highlights the deepening military cooperation between China and Russia. The drill’s high-level combat orientation and practical training exercises underscore the two navies’ growing capabilities in jointly addressing maritime security threats. As China and Russia continue to enhance their naval cooperation, their commitment to maintaining regional and global peace and stability remains steadfast. This joint naval drill not only strengthens the military ties between China and Russia but also serves as a testament to their shared commitment to securing maritime interests and ensuring regional stability. The continued collaboration between the two countries’ navies signals a robust partnership aimed at addressing common security challenges and fostering a safer, more stable maritime environment.
