Moscow: China and Russia have carried out their third round of joint anti missile drills on Russian territory, the two countries confirmed on Sunday. The exercise comes as both nations continue to strengthen their military and strategic cooperation at a time of rising global tensions.
According to statements released by defence officials, the exercise focused on improving coordination between the two countries in detecting and intercepting incoming missiles. Both sides described the drills as defensive and said they were not directed at any other nation.
However, the drills come during a period of increased military activity by China and Russia in Asia and Europe. In the past week, China deployed a large number of navy and coast guard ships across regional waters, raising concern among neighbouring countries. Japan and Taiwan have both expressed worry about the growing military presence.
Earlier this year, Russia and China also carried out joint naval operations in the Sea of Japan and other waters, including training focused on air defence and submarine tracking. The growing frequency of such exercises signals a deepening partnership between the two countries.
Beijing and Moscow signed a strategic cooperation agreement in 2022, shortly before the war in Ukraine began. Since then, both sides have repeatedly said their cooperation is not a formal alliance, but analysts say the increased coordination has significant political and military implications.
Security experts suggest that the latest drills may also be a message to Western countries, particularly as military alliances such as NATO continue to expand cooperation in Europe and Asia.
So far, neither China nor Russia has released details about the equipment used in the latest drills, and full information remains limited.
Despite official statements saying the exercise is not connected to current global concerns, defence analysts believe the timing shows the two countries are building a closer military partnership and greater strategic readiness.
The joint training is expected to continue in the coming months as both governments have signaled that regular cooperation will remain an important part of their defence strategy.