Overview

• Both navies concluded five-day Joint Sea-2025 exercises near Vladivostok on August 5, completing submarine rescue, anti-submarine warfare, air and missile defense, and live-fire drills.
• They commenced a coordinated maritime patrol on August 6 to maintain forward presence and operational interoperability in the Western Pacific.
• Chinese ship Xihu conducted a mock submarine rescue while Russian Il-38 and Chinese Y-8 patrol aircraft joined surface vessels in detecting and “destroying” enemy submarine targets.
• The drills involved Chinese destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi and supply ship Qiandaohu alongside Russia’s anti-submarine vessel Admiral Tributs and frigate Loud.
• The joint patrol underscores Beijing and Moscow’s deterrent posture as the United States and allies increase naval deployments in the region.