China and Russia Embark on Joint Naval Exercises in South China Sea Amid Rising Tensions

China and Russia have initiated live-fire naval exercises in the South China Sea, strengthening their military and trade ties amid U.S. sanctions. The drills include multiple naval vessels and various training operations, highlighting deepening cooperation and increasing maritime security capabilities between the two nations.

China and Russia have commenced live-fire naval exercises in the South China Sea, as reported by state-controlled Global Times newspaper. This move underscores the strengthening military and trade relations between the two countries in the wake of U.S. sanctions.

The exercises will involve at least three vessels from each country over a period of three days. According to the People's Liberation Army Navy, the drills will include live-fire training, reconnaissance, early warning, search and rescue, and air defense operations. This follows a separate joint naval patrol in the north Pacific, further solidifying military collaboration between China and Russia.

Wang Guangzheng of the PLA Navy's Southern Theatre emphasized to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV that the joint patrol has fostered deeper and more practical cooperation, effectively enhancing both nations' abilities to address maritime security threats. The drills come amid heightened tensions over disputed territories in the South China Sea and significant shifts in trade dynamics, notably the 'no limits' partnership declared by China and Russia in 2022, which has seen a surge in bilateral trade.

(With inputs from agencies.)