Russian and Chinese Navies Conduct Joint Sea Drills Amid Rising Tensions

Russian and Chinese naval forces are jointly conducting artillery and anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan as part of the scheduled "Maritime Interaction-2025" drills, according to the Russian Pacific Fleet. The exercises involve a coordinated fleet including a large Russian anti-submarine vessel, two Chinese destroyers, diesel-electric submarines from both nations, and a Chinese submarine rescue ship. These maneuvers, set to conclude by Tuesday, encompass artillery fire, anti-submarine and air defense drills, and joint search and rescue operations. This military activity follows recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in strategic regions in response to provocative comments by Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev about the risk of nuclear conflict. However, the drills were planned before Trump's announcement. Russia and China, which have established a strategic partnership without limitations, routinely hold joint exercises to enhance military coordination and project deterrence. The timing of these drills underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially amid the Ukraine conflict and strained U.S.-Russia relations...