China and Russia conduct joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan

The Russian and Chinese navies are carrying out joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan aimed at "deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership” of the two countries, the Chinese Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The Joint Sea 2025 exercises began near the Vladivostok on Sunday and are set to last three days.

They include "submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine, air defence and anti-missile operations, and maritime combat," China's Defence Ministry said, adding that four Chinese vessels will participate in the exercises.

The Chinese and Russian governments have deepened ties in recent years, with Beijing refusing to place sanctions on Moscow over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Whilst China insists it is a neutral third party in the conflict, Ukraine and its allies have accused it of providing Russia with military support.

The two countries, which signed a "no- limits" strategic partnership shortly before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, conduct regular military exercises.

The Joint Sea exercises began in 2012 with last year's held along China's southern coast.

Japan's Ministry of Defence warned last month that China's military cooperation with Russia poses serious security concerns.