China made public on Friday that it has been engaging in significant joint naval exercises with Russia along its southern coast, coinciding with the NATO summit in Washington D.C.
The drills, known as Joint Sea-2024, have been ongoing since early July and are set to continue into mid-July. According to the Chinese defense ministry, the exercises, which include air components, are taking place near Zhanjiang and are aimed at showcasing the two countries’ capabilities in addressing maritime security threats and maintaining global and regional peace and stability.
The ministry emphasized that the drills will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era. This move is seen as a signal to the West of their strong defense, industry, and technology cooperation.
In response, NATO issued a statement declaring that China’s support for Russia’s defense industry could have consequences, particularly in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. China, despite officially remaining neutral on the matter, has faced sanctions from the US for supplying essential components to Russia’s defense sector.
The relationship between China and Russia has grown closer in response to Western pressure, with both countries facing increased scrutiny and challenges. This partnership has evolved despite their historical rivalry, with recent declarations of unlimited cooperation between Xi and Putin.
As tensions between the US, NATO, and China/Russia continue to escalate, the two countries are increasingly aligning themselves against Western pressure. This dynamic is reshaping global power dynamics and challenging traditional alliances and assumptions.