The Sino-Russian Marine Interaction drills underscore a joint commitment to bolstering security in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. The announcement, issued by the Chinese defense ministry, frames the exercises as a clear signal of both nations’ resolve to deter regional and global threats and to sustain stability whose reach extends far beyond any single theater.
The sharing of duties in these drills is presented as a notable step in coordinated maritime security efforts. The defense ministry stated that the exercises demonstrate a strengthened ability and willingness to work together to preserve peace and stability across the region and on a planetary scale.
Participants are set to operate in the waters between Zhoushan and Taizhou in Zhejiang province, in the East China Sea. This location underscores the emphasis on practical, real-world maritime security and the ability to project power across contested sea lanes in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, the Russian side reports that a detachment from the Pacific Fleet, led by the missile cruiser Varyag, has departed Vladivostok to join the Sea Interaction exercises. This move signals continued naval interoperability and combined-warfare readiness between Moscow and Beijing.
The exercise plan includes joint rocket and artillery fire on air and sea targets, along with coordinated anti-submarine operations during the active phase. The program runs from December 21 to 27 and emphasizes the practical use of weapons in complex maritime environments. This collaborative display aims to validate strategic defense capabilities and reinforce regional security architecture in the face of evolving threats. Source: Chinese Ministry of Defense; Russian Ministry of Defense.