China and Russia have concluded their joint naval exercises, which aimed to enhance the cooperation and trust between their naval forces.
The drills, which ended on Wednesday, involved warships from both nations and took place in the South China Sea starting from Monday.
During the exercises, the fleets employed advanced naval units equipped with powerful missile capabilities, including anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles as well as anti-aircraft systems.
According to China’s Ministry of Defense, the “Joint Sea 2024” drills significantly strengthened the mutual trust between the Chinese and Russian navies and facilitated the exchange of expertise among the participating crews.
The Ministry highlighted that these joint drills have become a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, enhancing maritime security and improving joint response capabilities to potential threats.
China and Russia boast the largest naval fleets globally, with a combined total of over 1,500 naval units, according to 2024 statistics from Global Firepower.
The Russian navy ranks first worldwide, comprising 781 units, including one aircraft carrier, 14 destroyers, 12 frigates, 83 corvettes, 65 submarines, 122 patrol vessels, and 47 mine warfare ships.
The Chinese navy follows closely with 730 units, featuring two operational aircraft carriers, three helicopter carriers, 49 destroyers, 42 frigates, 72 corvettes, 61 submarines, 150 patrol vessels, and 36 mine warfare ships.
These exercises underscore the growing military cooperation between China and Russia, reflecting their strategic partnership aimed at counterbalancing Western influence and ensuring regional stability.
