Overview
- China's Defense Ministry said the third joint anti-missile exercise took place in early December on Russian territory, the first such drill since 2017.
- Beijing described the training as routine, not linked to current international or regional developments, and not directed at any third party.
- Officials said the objective was to improve operational coordination and strengthen strategic cooperation between the two armed forces.
- The drill followed August joint artillery and anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan and November consultations on missile defense and strategic security, including Zhang Youxia's pledge in Moscow to carry out leader-level agreements.
- The activity fits their 'no-limits' partnership deepened since 2022, with reporting noting Chinese economic and military support for Russia and shared criticism of U.S. missile-defense proposals and reported nuclear-testing plans.