Russia and China to begin joint naval drills in the Pacific this week

Russia and China are set to launch joint naval exercises in the Pacific this week, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry, underscoring their expanding military coordination at a time of heightened friction with Western governments.

The drills, scheduled to start Tuesday, add to a series of recent defense engagements between Moscow and Beijing as both countries seek to present a united front on security and strategic issues. The ministry did not immediately disclose the full scope of the exercise in its initial announcement.

The exercises come as Russia continues to face sanctions and diplomatic isolation over the war in Ukraine, while China navigates growing tensions with the United States and its allies over trade, technology, and regional security. Joint military activity has become a visible part of the two countries’ broader political alignment.

The Pacific drills are likely to draw close attention from regional powers, which have increasingly watched Russia-China cooperation as part of a shifting security landscape in Asia and beyond.