Why China, Russia are holding so many joint military drills and why Nato looks alarmed

China and Russia recently conducted anti-submarine drills in the Pacific, marking another significant milestone in the deepening of their military cooperation. This latest display of military solidarity comes at a time of rising global tensions, especially in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations increasingly find themselves in opposition to Western powers. These drills are just one of many joint operations that Russia and China have engaged in over the past year, highlighting their shared strategic goals and the growing importance of their alliance on the world stage.

A focus on naval power: Details of the anti-submarine drills

The anti-submarine drills took place in the northwest Pacific, a region of increasing geopolitical significance. According to Russia’s Pacific Fleet, the exercises were aimed at improving coordination between the two navies in detecting and neutralising enemy submarines—a crucial capability in modern naval warfare.

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From the Russian side, two powerful destroyers, the Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs, participated in the drill, alongside a Ka-27PL helicopter that played a key role in submarine detection efforts. China contributed its advanced Type 055 destroyer Wuxi, the Type 052D destroyer Xining and the Type 054A frigate Linyi. A replenishment tanker and three helicopters also formed part of the Chinese contingent, underscoring the full-spectrum capabilities both nations brought to the table.

This joint anti-submarine operation was not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of military exercises that have become increasingly frequent between the two nations. As they hone their ability to respond to underwater threats, Russia and China are also sending a message to their adversaries: their military partnership is becoming stronger and more sophisticated with each passing year.

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Joint military drills

This recent anti-submarine exercise is the latest in a series of joint drills that Russia and China have conducted in various strategic regions. One of the most prominent of these was the Beibu/Interaction-2024 naval exercise held in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk in September. These drills emphasised a range of combat scenarios, from artillery strikes to air defence manoeuvres and included anti-submarine warfare as a key element.

Chinese officials have repeatedly emphasised that these exercises are designed to improve the two countries’ military capabilities in responding to regional security threats. But more importantly, they are meant to strengthen what Beijing has called “strategic mutual trust” between China and Russia. As the two nations face growing pressure from the West, particularly the United States and its allies in Europe and Asia, these joint exercises demonstrate their resolve to stand together against external challenges.

Russia’s Ocean-2024 drills, also held in September, marked a particularly significant moment in the history of Russian-Chinese military cooperation. These drills were the largest naval exercises Russia had undertaken in more than 30 years, involving over 400 warships, 120 aircraft and 90,000 military personnel. China played a key role in these exercises, further solidifying its partnership with Russia.

High-stakes maritime patrols

In addition to these joint exercises, Russia and China have also conducted several joint maritime patrols in strategically important regions. One of the most recent of these patrols took place near Japan, their fifth such operation in the region. These patrols, which involve both surface vessels and submarines are aimed at demonstrating the two nations’ ability to project power and protect their maritime interests.

These patrols have understandably heightened tensions with Japan, which is increasingly concerned about the growing military presence of both Russia and China in its surrounding waters. The patrols also follow joint air patrols over the waters near Alaska earlier this year, as well as naval exercises in the highly contested South China Sea—a key flashpoint in global geopolitics.

The close proximity of these joint patrols to sensitive areas, such as the waters off Alaska and Japan, has raised alarms in Washington, Tokyo and other capitals. The US, in particular, views the Russia-China military alliance as a significant challenge to its efforts to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Nato’s concerns and China’s strategic calculations

The increasing military coordination between Russia and China has not gone unnoticed by Nato. The Western alliance has expressed concern over China’s backing of Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Nato has accused Beijing of being a “decisive enabler” of Russian aggression, pointing to China’s continued diplomatic and economic support for Moscow. However, China has dismissed these claims, instead warning Nato to stay out of the Asia-Pacific region. Chinese officials have repeatedly cautioned against what they call the alliance’s attempts to “bring chaos” to the region, stressing that Asia-Pacific security should not be dictated by Nato’s priorities.

China’s ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, stated that these military exercises demonstrate the high level of “strategic mutual trust” between the two countries. For China, its relationship with Russia is not merely a tactical alliance but a long-term strategic partnership aimed at countering Western influence in key regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific. Beijing’s insistence that Nato should avoid extending its reach into Asia is a clear indication of how it views its military partnership with Russia: as a cornerstone of its broader geopolitical strategy.

From rivalry to partnership: A historical transformation

The close military cooperation between Russia and China is a stark contrast to their relations during the Cold War, when the two countries were bitter rivals. In 1969, tensions escalated into open conflict when Soviet and Chinese troops clashed on the Ussuri river. But in recent years, the relationship between the two nations has evolved from one of mutual suspicion to a strategic partnership, fuelled by shared interests and common geopolitical challenges.

Over the past decade, Russia and China have significantly increased their economic, political and military ties. Russia, in particular, has become increasingly reliant on Chinese technology, especially in areas where Western sanctions have limited its access to advanced electronics and military hardware. China, on the other hand, has benefitted from Russia’s extensive battlefield experience, particularly in areas such as missile technology and electronic warfare.

An emerging military bloc?

The deepening military relationship between Russia and China has far-reaching implications for global security. The Indo-Pacific region, in particular, is likely to feel the effects of this growing alliance, as both nations are expected to continue their joint exercises and patrols in areas of strategic importance, such as the South China Sea and Taiwan.

As Russia and China continue to expand the scope of their joint military activities, it is clear that their partnership is becoming more than just a temporary alliance. Through joint drills, maritime patrols and large-scale exercises, the two nations are laying the groundwork for a more permanent military bloc capable of challenging US and Nato dominance in key regions. With tensions rising across the globe, particularly in Ukraine, Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific, the world will be watching closely as Russia and China forge ahead with their growing military cooperation.