China and Russia Announce Joint Naval and Air Drills

• 11 Sep 2024

On 9th September 2024, China’s Defense Ministry confirmed, that it will conduct joint naval and air drills with Russia, marking a significant show of military cooperation between the two nations amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Key Points

• "Northern United-2024" Exercises: The drills will take place in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. The exercises are designed to enhance strategic coordination and improve joint response to security threats.
• Naval Collaboration: This will be the fifth time the two navies will cruise together in the Pacific, with both nations also participating in Russia’s "Great Ocean-24" exercise.
• Support without Direct Involvement: China has maintained its neutrality, refusing to criticize Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while blaming the U.S. and NATO for provoking the conflict.
• While China has not supplied Russia with arms, it has provided economic support by purchasing Russian oil and gas, and supplying electronics with potential military applications.
• Challenging the Western Order: Along with nations like Iran, Russia and China have aligned their foreign policies to counterbalance the U.S. and the Western-led liberal democratic order.
• Pacific Power Ambitions: Russia, with China’s support, aims to assert itself as a Pacific power. Moscow has reciprocated by backing Beijing’s territorial claims in areas such as the South China Sea.