In a display of military cooperation and strategic coordination, the navies of China and Russia have successfully concluded a joint naval patrol that traversed from the northern Pacific waters down to the South China Sea. As the patrol ended, the two navies immediately transitioned into a live-fire exercise phase, signaling an intensification of their maritime collaboration. Experts predict that these joint operations will significantly enhance the interoperability of the two navies in addressing maritime security threats.

On Tuesday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported the successful conclusion of the fourth joint maritime patrol between the Chinese and Russian navies. The patrol began in the waters south of Jeju Island, transited through the Osumi Strait, and proceeded south through the West Pacific before entering the South China Sea via the Balintang Channel.

Composition and Activities of the Joint Patrol

The joint patrol formation included the Chinese Type 052D destroyer Yinchuan, Type 054A frigate Hengshui, and the Russian corvette Sovershenny. Throughout the patrol, the navies conducted various training exercises, such as Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) and helicopter cross-deck landing maneuvers in the northern and western Pacific waters. China’s Type 903 comprehensive replenishment ship Weishanhu also participated, providing necessary logistical support.

According to the CCTV report, the sailors from both navies worked together with remarkable efficiency, completing all scheduled missions. This close cooperation and high level of performance underscored the growing synergy between the two naval forces.

Simultaneously, the China-Russia Joint Sea-2024 exercise entered its sea phase on Monday, with participating warships departing from the naval port in Zhanjiang, located in South China’s Guangdong Province. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy confirmed this development in a release on Tuesday.

The live-fire maritime exercise is scheduled to last for three days, featuring an array of training courses. These include stationary defense, joint reconnaissance and early warning, joint search and rescue operations, and joint air defense exercises. The joint formation for this exercise comprises the Chinese Type 052D destroyer Nanning, Type 054A frigates Xianning and Dali, and the Russian corvettes Gromkiy and Rezkiy, along with the Irkut oiler.

Given that the exercise began in Zhanjiang, a coastal city along the South China Sea, and that the joint patrol also concluded in this region, it implies the simultaneous operation of at least ten Chinese and Russian warships in two joint formations. A Chinese military expert, who requested anonymity, highlighted to the Global Times on Tuesday that such joint naval activities are expected to bolster the two navies’ capabilities in addressing maritime security threats in the region.

Strategic Implications and Responses

While the PLA Navy has emphasized that the China-Russia joint patrols are not aimed at any third party and are unrelated to current international and regional situations, external observers have offered different perspectives. The Associated Press (AP) noted in a Monday report that this naval cooperation followed closely on the heels of heightened tensions between China and NATO allies.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, refuted claims linking the China-Russia naval cooperation to a confrontation with NATO. Speaking to the Global Times, Zhang asserted that such connections are baseless. He pointed out that China and Russia have conducted multiple editions of Joint Sea exercises since 2012, and their joint maritime patrols have been held four times since 2021. These operations, according to Zhang, are routine and not directed at any specific geopolitical adversary.

Observers also noted that the training courses practiced by the two navies focus on defense and rescue operations, which do not carry strategic or operational threats. This contrasts with the US-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, which explicitly identifies US competitors as potential adversaries.

The ongoing China-Russia naval cooperation is rooted in a long history of strategic partnership between the two nations. Since 2012, the Joint Sea exercises have served as a platform for enhancing mutual trust and operational coordination. The increased frequency and complexity of these exercises reflect the deepening ties between the two navies.

The joint maritime patrols and exercises, now a regular feature of the China-Russia naval calendar, underscore a commitment to maintaining regional security and stability. These operations are not only about enhancing military capabilities but also about demonstrating a united front in the face of common maritime security challenges.

The recent joint patrol and live-fire exercise illustrate significant progress in the two navies’ interoperability. By engaging in complex training scenarios, the navies of China and Russia can better understand each other’s operational procedures, communication protocols, and tactical doctrines. This level of interoperability is crucial for effective joint operations, especially in high-stress environments like live-fire exercises.

While the official stance maintains that these exercises are not aimed at any third party, the timing and scale of the operations send a strategic message. The joint patrol and live-fire exercises serve as a reminder of the strong naval capabilities of China and Russia, and their readiness to cooperate in safeguarding their maritime interests.

The global reaction to the China-Russia naval activities has been mixed. Some countries view the exercises as a natural extension of the two nations’ strategic partnership, while others perceive them as a potential challenge to regional security dynamics.

In the Asia-Pacific region, countries are closely monitoring the developments. Nations with interests in the South China Sea, in particular, are paying attention to the implications of increased Chinese and Russian naval presence. The joint exercises underscore the strategic importance of the South China Sea, a vital maritime route for global trade and a region with multiple territorial disputes.

On the international stage, the joint naval activities are seen through the lens of great power competition. The United States and its allies are likely to interpret these exercises as a sign of strengthening China-Russia military ties, potentially challenging their influence in the region.

Diplomatic responses have varied, with some nations expressing concern over the potential for increased militarization of the South China Sea. However, China and Russia have reiterated that their naval activities are defensive and aimed at enhancing regional security.

The recent joint patrol and live-fire exercise between the Chinese and Russian navies mark a significant milestone in their military cooperation. These operations demonstrate not only the growing interoperability between the two naval forces but also their commitment to addressing maritime security threats collaboratively.

While the exercises are officially described as routine and defensive, their strategic implications cannot be ignored. The enhanced naval capabilities and the ability to conduct complex joint operations position China and Russia as formidable maritime powers in the Asia-Pacific region.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the China-Russia naval partnership will likely play a crucial role in shaping regional security dynamics. The continued collaboration between these two navies, marked by joint patrols and live-fire exercises, underscores their shared strategic interests and commitment to maintaining stability in the maritime domain.