China and Russia Announce Joint Naval and Air Drills

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.