China and Russia are holding Joint naval drills called “Joint Sea 2021 naval exercise” in the Sea of Japan.

Key Points

• The joint naval drill was kicked off from October 14, 2021.
• It highlights the latest sign of growing political and military alignment between Russia and China.
• The drill started in Russia’s Peter the Great Gulf in Sea of Japan. It will run through October 17, 2021.

Activities under the drill

This joint naval drill would encompass communications, joint manoeuvring & firing on seaborn targets, anti-air, anti-mine, and anti-submarine operations, joint manoeuvring and firing on seaborn targets.

China in the drill

For the first time China will be represented by anti-submarine warfare planes and destroyers of greater than 10,000 tons in displacement for exercises abroad. China will also be represented by warships such as Type 055 large destroyer Nanchang, Type 054A frigates Binzhou & Liuzhou, Type 052D destroyer Kunming, Type 903A comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu, vessel-borne helicopters and fixed wing anti-submarine warfare aircraft. On the other hand, Russia will be represented by anti-submarine ships, aircraft and frigates.

China-Russia cooperation

China and Russia are jointly holding the drill as they are united in opposing the dominance of United States in global affairs. Both the countries have been harsh critics of foreign policy of Washington in Afghanistan. China generally follows Russia’s lead on matters like Iran. It has become increasingly assertive in defending its vital interests regarding Taiwan, South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific. China has also strongly criticized an agreement for Australia in order to obtain eight nuclear-powered submarines which are built with US technology.