US to Monitor China-Russia Joint Military Drills in Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk

The United States will monitor joint military exercises by China and Russia in the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, with no immediate concerns, according to a senior White House official. The drills are part of ongoing military cooperation between the two nations, despite their historically limited collaboration.

The United States will closely monitor joint military exercises by China and Russia in the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, according to a senior White House official. White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby stated in a press briefing on Monday that while the U.S. will observe these naval and air drills, there is currently no dramatic or imminent concern.

Kirby highlighted that the defense relationship between China and Russia has been growing over the past few years. He noted the increasing military collaboration in air, sea, and ground exercises. 'We'll watch it like we watch all exercises, but these are two nations without a long history of military cooperation or full mutual trust,' Kirby said.

He emphasized that there's no reason for the U.S. to alter its military or deterrent posture in response to these planned exercises. China's Ministry of National Defence announced that the drills, codenamed Northern/Interaction-2024, aim to enhance strategic cooperation and response to security threats. Additionally, the two nations are set to engage in maritime patrols and strategic exercises, further deepening their military coordination.

(With inputs from agencies.)