Moscow: The Navy of Russia and China have conducted a joint exercise. The Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy has said that its and China's submarines have conducted a joint patrol in the Asia-Pacific region. This is the first patrolling of submarines of both the countries in this region. Diesel-electric submarines have participated in this patrol. This patrol started earlier this month. This is an important step in the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing. It is also being seen as a message to US President Donald Trump.
According to the report of The News Week, the Russian Navy has described this activity as part of a continuous program of bilateral exercises. It has expanded in both scale and scope in recent years. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping also have good mutual relations. Relations between the two countries are also benefiting from this.
Why is this exercise important
Russia and China have carried out joint naval patrols before. However, they were limited to surface ships only. For the first time in this patrol, Russian and Chinese submarines were deployed together. In early August, the two navies conducted a simulated submarine rescue operation as part of a bilateral exercise. The joint patrol began soon after.
Russian government media has linked this operation to a demonstration of the technical capability of both navies to cooperate in challenging situations. Russia and China have built close ties in recent years. It has been seen as an alliance to balance the US. Both countries have carried out joint military activities in the Western Pacific and other regions.
What will happen next
Russia and China's joint submarine patrol is considered to be the foundation of future operations between the two navies. Russian officials have indicated that there will be more exercises ahead. Chinese government media has also said that joint training will continue. This shows that this cooperation is going to increase.
Both Russia and China are increasing the strength of their navies. Russia has modernized the Far Eastern naval base to deploy nuclear-powered submarines. China already operates the world's largest navy and is working on increasing its strength.
