Moscow: In a major development, the navies of Russia and China have conducted joint exercises. As per the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet, its submarines, along with China’s, carried out a joint patrol in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is important to note that this is the first submarine patrol by the two countries in this area. Diesel-electric submarines participated in the patrol, which began earlier this month. The latest move by Russia and China is seen as a significant step in the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, and also as a message to US President Donald Trump.
According to a report by Newsweek, the Russian Navy described this activity as part of a continuous program of bilateral exercises, which in recent years has expanded in both scale and scope. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping also share good personal relations, which is further strengthening ties between the two nations.
Why is this exercise important?
- This is not the first time that Russia and China have conducted joint naval patrols. Earlier also such exercises were carried out but those were limited to surface vessels only.
- For the first time in this patrol, Russian and Chinese submarines were deployed together.
- Earlier in August, both navies carried out a bilateral exercise simulating a submarine rescue operation. Immediately after that, the joint patrol began.
The Russian state media has connected this operation to showcasing the technical capabilities of both navies to cooperate under challenging conditions. In recent years, Russia and China have forged closer ties, which are seen as a kind of alliance aimed at balancing the United States.
Here are some of the important details:
- The joint submarine patrol by Russia and China is being seen as the foundation for future operations between the two navies.
- Russian officials have indicated that more exercises will follow.
- Chinese state media has also mentioned that joint training will continue.
- This shows that the cooperation is set to grow further.
Both Russia and China are strengthening their naval power. Russia has modernized its Far Eastern naval base to deploy nuclear-powered submarines. China, already operating the world’s largest navy, is working on further enhancing its capabilities.