China and Russia launch naval exercises in South China Sea
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
China and Russia have commenced naval exercises with live-fire drills in the South China Sea. In recent years, the two nations have strengthened their military and trade ties following US sanctions against both countries, according to Reuters.
The state-run Chinese newspaper Global Times, referencing the Chinese Navy, wrote that both countries would deploy at least three ships for the three-day exercises.
Russian media reports indicate plans to conduct artillery firing as part of the joint exercises.
The exercises followed a separate joint naval patrol in the northern Pacific Ocean, which included a detachment of the Russian Pacific Fleet, featuring two corvettes.
Wang Guangzheng from the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese Navy told the state broadcaster CCTV that "the China-Russia joint patrol has promoted the deepening and practical cooperation between the two in multiple directions and fields."
The report mentions that the participating ships departed from the naval port of Zhanjiang in China's southern Guangdong province on Monday.
China's claims
China claims control over nearly the entire South China Sea, including the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines maintain a rusty warship that they intentionally grounded in 1999 to bolster their maritime claims. This area has become a focal point of recent confrontations between the two countries.
The rising tensions have prompted US officials to remind Beijing that their mutual defense treaty commitments with the Philippines are unwavering.
Moscow-Beijing relations
China and Russia declared a "no limits" partnership in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing just days before the invasion of Ukraine. China has not condemned the invasion and has increased exports to Russia, helping Moscow sustain its military economy.
According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade under the "no limits" partnership reached a record $240.1 billion in 2023, which is a 26.3% increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, Chinese customs data shows that trade between China and the US decreased by 11.6% last year, totaling $664.5 billion.
