Russian Pacific Fleet Conducts Anti-Submarine Exercise in South China Sea

The exercise, involving the detection and neutralization of a simulated enemy submarine, comes amid escalating regional tensions with China.

The Russian Pacific Fleet’s frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, demonstrating its operational readiness.
The exercise involved detecting a simulated enemy submarine and confirming its location with the help of a helicopter crew, after which the warship launched torpedoes and depth charges.
The exercise is part of a 'long-distance voyage' that includes the Asia-Pacific region, involving a detachment of Russian Pacific Fleet warships, including the fleet’s flagship, the Varyag cruiser.
The ships set sail from the port of Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East on Jan. 22.
The exercise comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with China recently sending military aircraft and naval ships toward Taiwan.