Could a China-Russia military drill be the start of something bigger?
- Joint air and sea patrols in future exercises would deepen the two countries’ defence cooperation, analyst says
- Beijing and Moscow are facing pressure from Western alliances such as Aukus and the Quad
The two militaries have carried out joint air and sea patrols before, but a combination of the two in an upcoming drill would deepen their defence cooperation as they face confrontation from the US and its allies.
“Chinese and Russian militaries may make air and ship patrols together in the Sea of Japan or Western Pacific,” Yue Gang, a retired PLA colonel and military affairs commentator, said, adding that more advanced weapons would be deployed.
“With the deployment of more advanced weapons, the two nations are determined to boost their coordination, and show to each other that they are not hiding anything. They need this to boost joint ability to handle conflict or emergencies.”
On Saturday, the Chinese defence ministry said 10 naval vessels and six helicopters from the two nations had carried out joint patrols in the Sea of Japan, Western Pacific and the East China Sea for a week starting October 17.
The ministry said the move aimed to boost the comprehensive bilateral partnership and the capability to launch joint operations, without targeting a third nation.