A Chinese naval flotilla arrived in the far eastern Russian port of Vladivostok on Tuesday. The four-day visit involves training and exchanges and reflects deepening military ties between Beijing and Moscow amid tensions with the United States and its allies in the western Pacific.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Task Force 83, including the training ship Qi Jiguang and the amphibious dock landing ship Kunlunshan, received an invitation from the Russian Navy to join this event. Vladivostok serves as the headquarters of Russia’s Pacific Fleet. Images published by Chinese state media Xinhua showed flag-waving spectators welcoming the ships at the waterfront.
China has maintained neutrality over Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, it has supported Russia’s economy affected by sanctions through increased trade. This includes dual-use exports and greater purchases of discounted Russian oil and gas. The United States and European allies call China a ‘decisive enabler’ of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts.
During Putin’s recent visit to Beijing, he, along with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, reaffirmed their strategic partnership. They committed to deepening cooperation in defense, energy, and technology sectors. China’s Defense Ministry stated their militaries would implement the consensus reached by both heads of state, aiming to expand practical cooperation.
Newsweek reached out to the Russian foreign ministry and the Pentagon for comments.
Naval Cooperation
The current deployment is termed a ‘long-distance sea internship.’ It involves Chinese sailors exchanging experiences with Russian naval officers during their time in Vladivostok, as noted by the Chinese Defense Ministry. The two countries have strengthened security ties by increasing joint air and naval exercises. Despite a drop to six joint drills in 2025 from 14 in 2024, they conducted their first joint submarine exercise, as reported by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
An analysis by the Congressional Research Service highlighted Russia’s view of its navy as central to its global ambitions, particularly in Asia-Pacific. The extensive naval exercises and patrols between Russia and China suggest greater trust between their naval forces.
U.S. and Allied Concerns
The U.S. Coast Guard has voiced concern over increased Chinese and Russian patrols near U.S. areas, especially around Alaska. Military activities by these countries have also raised issues in Japan and South Korea, Washington’s Northeast Asian treaty allies. In December, both nations undertook a joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan, prompting Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force to respond.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated the operation was intended as a show of force against Japan, posing a severe concern for national security. Although China and Russia are not in a formal military alliance, their actions challenge U.S. military dominance, advocating for a multipolar world order.
For further information, contact Newsweek editors Frances Mao and Sam Wilson.
Leave a Reply