Tel Aviv: Another sign of the close military cooperation between Russia and China. From August 1 to 5, Russia and China conducted a large-scale naval exercise ‘Maritime Interaction-2025’ in the waters near Vladivostok in eastern Russia.
According to a report in the website of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMERI), this naval exercise was one of the most significant bilateral military events between the two countries this year, which is taking place against the backdrop of increasingly close bilateral relations in the defence sector and continuing tensions between the countries.
According to the data of China’s Ministry of National Defence, warships, diesel-electric submarines and naval aircraft from both sides took part in the exercise. The Chinese Navy deployed the Type 052 destroyer ‘Shaoxing’ to lead the grouping, while Russia deployed the large anti-submarine ship ‘Admiral Tributs’ as the leading vessel. The exercise included submarine and air defence, search and rescue operations and live-fire drills.
According to the report, despite the fact that both Moscow and Beijing have stated that the exercises are part of their annual cooperation plan and are not directed against any particular country, analysts note that they carry many strategic messages.
”In the context of the growing military presence of the US and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region, the further strengthening of defence cooperation between Russia and China is perceived as a move aimed at demonstrating a united stance and strengthening influence in a region, which is sensitive to geopolitics.”
According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Russia and China have conducted more than 100 joint exercises over the past 20 years, wherein since 2018 their number increased sharply. Furthermore, the two countries also regularly conduct joint naval and air patrols in areas near Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and the East China .
Israeli experts point to the fact that since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the intensification of Western sanctions, China has become a crucial supplier of technology and components essential for Russia’s defence industry. In return, China has gained access to advanced Russian military technologies, particularly in missile systems, air defence, and electronic warfare.
Russia has long been a top arms supplier to China, with significant transfers including Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 air defence systems. Beyond simple sales, cooperation now includes joint technology projects like advanced radar and helicopter development—indicating a shift to more integrated military-technical projects.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
