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Intensifying military cooperation between Russia and China signals a strengthening strategic partnership

Intensifying military cooperation between Russia and China signals a strengthening strategic partnership

Joint Chinese and Russian military exercises and patrols continued even as Russia is still at war with Ukraine. In recent years, joint military manoeuvres started being held not only in the South China Sea but also in the Arctic region. The exercises have often been carried out near Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Alaska, significantly increasing pressure on the US and NATO partners in the region.

By allowing Chinese military ships to enter its Arctic territories, Russia is likely making concessions to Beijing and revising its previous policy of restricting China’s military activity in the northern regions of the country in return for China’s support during Russia’s war against Ukraine. It is almost certain that China is seeking to establish a longterm military presence in the region.

In joint military drills, the Chinese army is learning from the experience gained by Russia in its war against Ukraine, while Moscow, with Beijing’s support, has showed that Russia is not isolated and can challenge Western dominance on several fronts at once.

Joint military exercises and patrols in the Indian and Pacific Oceans demonstrate the growing strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow aimed at deterring opponents — especially the US and its allies — and changing the regional security architecture.

The most significant joint Chinese-Russian military manoeuvres in 2024–2025:

  • In July 2024, the first joint patrol by Chinese and Russian military Air Forces was observed near the coast of Alaska.
  • In October 2024, Chinese Coast Guard ships patrolling with Russian forces entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time.
  • In August 2025, joint submarine patrol was conducted for the first time in the seas of Japan and East China.

Farewell ceremony in Vladivostok for Chinese and Russian military ships leaving to participate in joint naval and air force exercises ‘Northern / Interaction-2024’ in the seas of Japan and Okhotsk.
IMAGO / SNA photo
Farewell ceremony in Vladivostok for Chinese and Russian military ships leaving to participate in joint naval and air force exercises ‘Northern / Interaction-2024’ in the seas of Japan and Okhotsk.
IMAGO / SNA photo
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