The two powers are seeking to deepen their partnership amid what they see as US dominance.

The three-day operations, called "Joint Sea-2025," began in waters near the Russian port of Vladivostok. "The two militaries will conduct submarine rescue operations, joint anti-submarine warfare, air and missile defense, and naval combat," the Chinese Ministry of Defense said in a statement.  Four Chinese ships, including the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating in these exercises alongside Russian ships, the ministry said.

After these exercises, which are scheduled to last three days, the two countries will conduct naval patrols in "Pacific waters." The two countries have been conducting joint exercises regularly for several years, with the Joint Sea maneuvers beginning in 2012. In 2024, they were held off the southern coast of China.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense specified that this year's exercises aim to "further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership" between the two countries.

They are being held just as Russian leader Vladimir Putin visits China. The Russian president is attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – an intergovernmental organisation established in 2001 by China, Russia and four Central Asian countries – and a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He will also hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Beijing has never condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has strengthened its economic, diplomatic, and military ties with Moscow since February 2022.

In April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky even accused China of "supplying weapons" to Russia, allegations that Beijing denies. In early July, Xi Jinping told the Russian foreign minister that China and Russia must "strengthen their mutual support." I BGNES, AFP