Beijing: China and Russia recently conducted anti-submarine exercises in the Pacific. This is being considered an important milestone in deepening the military cooperation between the two countries. This latest display of military solidarity by Russia and China comes at a time when global tensions are rising, especially in the Indo-Pacific. Both these countries are opposing the western powers in this region. The exercises are one of several joint operations conducted by Russia and China over the past year, highlighting their shared strategic goals and the growing importance of their alliance on the world stage.
Russia and China’s anti-submarine drills took place in the northwest Pacific, a geopolitically important region. According to Russia’s Pacific Fleet, the exercise was aimed at improving coordination between the two navies in detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines. Anti-submarine warfare is a vital capability in modern naval warfare.
involving powerful warships
Two powerful destroyers from Russia, Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs, participated in this exercise. Along with this, a Ka-27PL helicopter also took part in the exercise, which played an important role in the efforts to locate the submarine. From the Chinese side, Type 055 destroyer Wuxi, Type 052D destroyer Xining and Type 054A frigate Linyi participated in this exercise. Along with this, a reefer ship and three helicopters were also part of the Chinese fleet. This maneuver was carried out in the air as well as on the surface and under water.
Coordination between armies is increasing through maneuvers
This is not the first time that Russia and China have taken part in such a joint exercise. Such maneuvers reflect the growing military cooperation between the two countries. It is not that both the countries are carrying out such maneuvers just for show. Rather, its another objective is to send a message to the opponents of Russia and China. With these maneuvers, the military partnership between Russia and China is becoming stronger and more sophisticated with each passing year. Along with this, coordination is also developing between the armies of both the countries regarding joint military operations.
Doing exercises in sky, land and water
The most prominent exercise between Russia and China was the Beibu/Interaction-2024 naval exercise held in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk in September. The exercises focused on a variety of combat scenarios ranging from artillery strikes to air defense maneuvers, and prominently featured anti-submarine warfare. Chinese officials have repeatedly stressed that the exercises were designed to address regional security threats. The measures are designed to improve the military capabilities of both countries in responding. But more importantly, they are aimed at strengthening “strategic mutual trust” between China and Russia.
The Chinese Navy took part in Russia’s Ocean-2024 exercises held in September. It was considered a significant moment in the history of Russian-Chinese military cooperation. The exercise was the largest naval exercise conducted by Russia in more than 30 years, involving more than 400 warships, 120 aircraft and 90,000 military personnel. China played an important role in these exercises, which further strengthened its partnership with Russia.
Russia and China are also doing joint maritime patrolling
Apart from these joint exercises, Russia and China have also conducted several joint maritime patrols in strategically important areas. The most recent of these patrols took place near Japan, her fifth such operation in this area. These patrols, involving both surface ships and submarines, are intended to demonstrate both countries’ ability to project power and defend their maritime interests.
Patrolling near Japan and America
The patrols have heightened tensions with Japan, which is concerned about the growing military presence of both Russia and China in its surrounding waters. These patrols follow joint air patrols in waters off Alaska earlier this year, as well as naval exercises in the highly disputed South China Sea – a sticking point in global geopolitics.
Why is it a matter of concern for India?
Russia-China military relations are a matter of concern not only for NATO but also for India. India fears that Russia may share important military technology with China. Since 60 percent of India’s weapons are of Russian origin. In such a situation, there is also a fear that China may get information about Indian military technology. There is also a fear that Russia may keep itself neutral in case of any conflict with China. This will be seen as a major diplomatic defeat for India. India is still largely dependent on Russia militarily.