Chinese and Russian navies patrol Pacific after wrapping up joint drills

A China-Russia naval flotilla began its sixth Pacific patrol on Wednesday after concluding combat drills near Vladivostok, according to military mouthpiece the People’s Liberation Army Daily.

In the final phase of the “Joint Sea 2025” exercise, which began on Sunday, the drills emphasised realistic combat scenarios, including joint manoeuvres, submarine rescue operations, air and anti-ship defence, anchorage security, and sea resupply, with live-fire drills.

The PLA Daily reported that during the manoeuvres, the two navies established communication channels, exchanging real-time information on hydrography, weather, and air and sea surveillance.

On Tuesday, state broadcaster CCTV aired footage featuring Zhang Zhiyang, duty officer aboard the Chinese destroyer Shaoxing, who reported encounters with aircraft and ships from third countries during the voyage and drills.

This is the Shaoxing’s first overseas exercise. During the drills, the vessel transited through the Tsushima Strait into the Sea of Japan, or East Sea.

The PLA Daily has published daily updates on the joint drills since they began, saying the teams “operated efficiently, issuing combat tasks and making swift decisions”.

South China Morning Post