Chinese and Russian vessels conduct joint exercises in the East China Sea.
Japan registered “grave concern” as Chinese and Russian warships sailed in close proximity to its southern islands, a development that comes on the cusp of a summit where rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific are on the agenda.
Six Chinese and five Russian vessels, including missile destroyers, traversed between Japan’s Okinawa Island and Miyako Island before proceeding toward the East China Sea, the Japanese defense ministry confirmed.
Historic Sailing Route
Significantly, this marks the first instance of Russian and Chinese ships navigating this specific route together. Notably, these naval movements did not breach Japan’s territorial waters.
Initially detected 280 kilometers northeast of Okinotori Island, these 11 naval vessels are believed to have engaged in a joint patrol in the Pacific. Priorly, they were observed sailing through the Soya Strait and the Sea of Japan in July, following joint drills.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the joint patrol, detailing a range of activities undertaken, including anti-submarine exercises, simulated air raids, rescue training at sea, and helicopter operations on warship decks.
Concerns Amplified
Japan’s defense ministry highlighted the pattern of joint naval and aerial exercises conducted by China and Russia near its vicinity, asserting that these actions are unmistakably designed to demonstrate force against Japan. The ministry conveyed its apprehensions through diplomatic channels.
Japan’s already strained relationship with Russia has further deteriorated since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began 18 months ago.
Meanwhile, China’s growing political and economic ties with Russia have raised questions about its stance in global conflicts.
As Japan navigates these maritime concerns, its leader’s participation in the upcoming summit gains significance, given the escalating regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
