China and Russia's Joint Naval Exercise Amid Global Tensions

China and Russia initiated a joint naval exercise at a military port in southern China, just days after NATO allies labeled Beijing a 'decisive enabler' of the Ukraine war. The operation, which will run until mid-July, aims to address security threats and maintain peace globally and regionally.

China and Russia's naval forces on Sunday kicked off a joint exercise at a military port in southern China, official news agency Xinhua reported, days after NATO allies called Beijing a 'decisive enabler' of the war in Ukraine.

The Chinese defence ministry stated that forces from both sides recently patrolled the western and northern Pacific Ocean, emphasizing that the operation had no connection to international and regional situations and wasn't targeting any third party.

The exercise, which began in Guangdong province on Sunday and will continue until mid-July, aims to show the navies' capabilities in addressing security threats and preserving peace and stability globally and regionally, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The drills will include anti-missile exercises, sea strikes, and air defense.

Xinhua News Agency reported that Chinese and Russian naval forces conducted on-map military simulation and tactical coordination exercises after the opening ceremony in Zhanjiang.

The joint drills arrived on the heels of heightened tensions between China and NATO allies last week.

The sternly worded final communiqué, approved by the 32 NATO members at their summit in Washington, highlighted growing concerns over China's role in supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. NATO members view China as a significant threat alongside Russia.

In response, China accused NATO of seeking security at the expense of others and urged the alliance not to introduce similar 'chaos' to Asia. The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated that China maintains a fair and objective stance on the Ukraine conflict.

Additionally, a US Coast Guard cutter on patrol in the Bering Sea recently encountered several Chinese military ships in international waters within the US exclusive economic zone. American officials confirmed the Chinese vessels operated within international legal norms.

(With inputs from agencies.)