China and Russia conduct joint military drills in South China Sea amid rising tensions.

According to information published by 6parknews on July 16, 2024, amid increasing tensions in the South China Sea, China and Russia have joined forces to showcase their military prowess in the region.
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The Chinese fleet oiler CNS Weishanhu and the Russian corvette Gromkiy. (Picture source: Chinese MoD)

According to a report, the Sino-Russian "Joint Sea-2024" naval exercises have entered the live-fire phase, enhancing their strategic cooperation to address shared threats. Observers interpret the timing of these exercises as Russia signaling its solidarity with China.

The naval component of the "Joint Sea-2024" drills included joint anti-submarine exercises. The Russian Pacific Fleet reported that both nations successfully located and "destroyed" an enemy submarine in the South China Sea and conducted live rocket depth charge firing exercises.

Additionally, the two navies practiced artillery strikes on simulated targets. From the outset, the exercises were highly realistic and integrated, with Chinese and Russian warships forming a single column formation and enhancing their command coordination through real-time directives during navigation.

Coinciding with "Joint Sea-2024," a Sino-Russian joint surface fleet returned to the South China Sea via the Balintang Channel. This area has recently seen heightened activity, with the Chinese Shandong carrier group passing through, followed by the Sino-Russian fleet.

The Sino-Russian patrol fleet conducted simulated boarding and inspection exercises in the Philippine Sea. Naval personnel from both countries boarded a mock "suspicious vessel," discovered illegal "weapons," and detained the crew. Currently, nearly ten Chinese and Russian warships are operating in the South China Sea.

According to joint military statements, the upcoming days will see further exercises, including anchorage defense, joint search and rescue, and air defense and missile interception. The Sino-Russian joint fleet remains in the South China Sea, with expectations of a potential large-scale joint exercise. If realized, this would involve substantial naval forces in the Western Pacific, predominantly led by the Chinese Navy.