China, Russia Launch Joint Naval Drills Amid Growing Concern Over Their Military Ties

The two armed forces began their annual joint naval exercises on Aug. 1.

Russian and Chinese naval officers take part in a ceremony marking the start of the upcoming joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, following the arrival of Chinese military vessels in Vladivostok, Russia, on July 31, 2025. Russian Defense Ministry/Russia's Pacific Fleet/Handout via Reuters

China and Russia have begun a week-long joint annual naval exercise in the Sea of Japan. Taking place from Aug. 1 to 5 near Vladivostok, the drill—dubbed Maritime Interaction 2025—marks the sixth of its kind.

Last year, the drill was held off southern China in the South China Sea.