China and Russia to conduct military exercises in August

China has announced plans to carry out joint military drills with Russia in August, including coordinated naval patrols in the Pacific Ocean as well as sea and air operations in the area of Vladivostok, according to Arab News via AFP on July 30th.

Beijing and Moscow have noticeably deepened their economic and political ties in recent years, and are now expanding their cooperation into the military sphere.

Reports indicate both nations see their partnership as a means to challenge Western global influence—particularly that of the United States. The meetings took place amid growing international and regional scepticism toward recent U.S. policies, partly fueled by President Donald Trump’s threats to impose new tariffs on both allies and adversaries.

The upcoming drills, named “Joint Sea-2025”, are part of their routine military collaboration.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, emphasised at a press briefing that these exercises are “not directed against third parties.”

Zhang continued that the drills will conclude with a joint naval patrol in “relevant waters of the Pacific”. Last year’s exercise took place off China’s southern coast.

The “Joint Sea-2025” exercises are set to take place shortly before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to China in late August. During his visit, Putin is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and participate in ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, including a military parade. Reports indicate he will also hold talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, ties between Moscow and Beijing have grown significantly stronger.

China has not condemned Russia’s military actions or called for a withdrawal of troops, prompting concern among Ukraine’s Western allies that Beijing may be supporting Moscow. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that nations including China, India, and Brazil risk facing wide-ranging secondary sanctions if they maintain trade with Russia.

China asserts that it is a neutral party, regularly advocating for peace while criticising Western nations for escalating the conflict by arming Ukraine.

Earlier this month, President Xi told Russia’s foreign minister that their nations should “strengthen mutual support,” reinforcing their growing alliance.

Arab news via AFP, Maghrebi.org