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.

Navy vessels take part in a joint Iranian-Russian-Chinese military drill in the Gulf of Oman, on March 12, 2025. Iranian Army Office/AFP via Getty Images

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.