Tensions Rise as China and Russia Announce Joint Naval Exercises

The Chinese military revealed plans on Wednesday for an annual naval exercise accompanied by a maritime joint patrol with Russian forces, slated for the upcoming month.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang stated that the Joint Sea 2025 exercise will occur in the air and seas near Vladivostok, Russia. This adds another dimension to the evolving military association between China and Russia, especially in the backdrop of China's economic support to Russia against Western sanctions.

Despite repeated requests from European leaders urging China to leverage its influence to resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Beijing's stance remains unchanged. Japan has vocalized its apprehension over increasing Sino-Russian military collaboration, describing it as a grave security threat.

(With inputs from agencies.)