Russia & China Conduct Joint Naval Exercise

RUSSIA & CHINA CONDUCT JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE

Recently, Russia and China have initiated extensive naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, codenamed “Ocean-24.”

This development signifies a notable escalation in military cooperation between the two nations, impacting the geopolitical landscape.

DETAILS OF THE EXERCISE

• Duration: Conducted from September 10 to September 16, 2024.
• Scale: Russian President Vladimir Putin described these drills as the largest in three decades, featuring:
  • 400+ warships, submarines, and support vessels
  • 120+ aircraft (planes and helicopters)
  • Approximately 90,000 troops
• Geographic Scope: The exercises include multiple bodies of water, including the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas.
• The participation of Chinese military assets shows the deepening alliance between Moscow and Beijing.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

According to Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, the primary goals of the exercises include:

1. Repelling large-scale aggression from oceanic directions.
2. Combating unmanned boats and aerial vehicles.
3. Defending naval bases.
4. Conducting amphibious operations.
5. Escorting transports.

GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS

• The drills serve as a show of strength amidst rising global tensions.
• Putin accused the U.S. of attempting to maintain military and political dominance, particularly in light of the conflict in Ukraine.
• The exercises are viewed as a response to increased U.S. military presence near Russia’s borders, especially in the Arctic and Asia-Pacific regions. This perceived threat has led Russia to deepen its alignment with China and other nations opposing Western dominance.

SHIFTING BALANCE OF POWER

• The “Ocean-24″ exercises reflect a strategic shift in the Asia-Pacific balance of power.
• Russia aims to assert itself as a Pacific power while supporting China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and other disputed regions.
• This military collaboration poses a direct challenge to U.S. interests, as both Russia and China enhance their military capabilities amid perceived threats.

THE EVOLVING MILITARY DYNAMICS

GLOBAL RESPONSE

• The international community is closely observing these developments.
• 15 countries have been invited to observe the exercises, though their identities remain undisclosed. This invitation suggests a strategic outreach by Russia and China to enhance military partnerships.
• Rising tensions have prompted other nations to modernize their defense capabilities.
• For instance, Poland is advancing its military with the introduction of the F-35A, reflecting a broader trend of military enhancement across Europe.

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