China and Russia conclude extensive Joint Naval Exercises and patrol in Asia-Pacific waters.

According to information published by Ian Ellis on July 21, 2024, the China PLA Navy and the Russian Navy concluded a significant joint exercise and patrol operation across key maritime regions, including the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Western Pacific, in mid-July 2024.
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The Chinese Type 054DL destroyer Nanning alongside the Russian Steregushchiy-class corvette Gromkiy. (Picture source: Xinhua News)

A centerpiece of the operation was the Shandong carrier strike group, which completed intensive naval exercises in the Western Pacific. Over the course of ten days, the group executed 420 aircraft launches and recoveries, demonstrating its operational capabilities.

The carrier strike group comprised the CNS Shandong (17), a Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier, accompanied by several other vessels including the CNS Yuncheng (571), a Jiangkai-II frigate, and the CNS Yanan (106), a Renhai-class cruiser/destroyer.

On July 3, Chinese and Russian naval units embarked on a 15-day joint patrol in the East China Sea. This patrol saw the fleet navigate approximately 5,000 nautical miles through the Western Pacific and into the South China Sea, underscoring the commitment of both nations to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The mission also focused on monitoring maritime areas and safeguarding maritime economic activities.

Key participants in the joint patrol included the CNS Yinchuan (175), a Luyang-III destroyer, and the RFS Sovershennyy (333), a Steregushchiy-class corvette. Other notable vessels included the CNS Hengshui (572), a Jiangkai-II frigate, and the CNS Weishan Hu (887), a Fuchi-class oiler. The Joint Sea 2024 exercises also featured the CNS Nanning (162), a Luyang-III mod destroyer, and the RFS Gromkiy (335) and RFS Rezkiy (343), both Steregushchiy-class corvettes.

The six-day Joint Sea 2024 drills were conducted near Zhanjiang, the headquarters of the PLA Navy's Southern Theater Command and South Sea Fleet.

The exercises featured combined force tactical drills, incorporating live-fire air and missile defense maneuvers. These drills aimed to practice and perfect simultaneous attack strategies, enhancing the interoperability of the participating forces.