The “Beibu/Interaction-2024” joint naval exercise, which began in September 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the military collaboration between Russia and China. Taking place in the Sea of Japan, this exercise is not merely a demonstration of maritime power but a testament to the deepening strategic partnership between these two global military powers. In the face of shifting geopolitical alignments, this exercise underscores their growing defense cooperation, symbolizing a significant step in the evolution of a bilateral relationship that has vast implications for the broader global security landscape.
The Russian Pacific Fleet, a formidable maritime force with extensive historical significance in Asia-Pacific security dynamics, plays host to the exercise. Its collaboration with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) highlights a clear and present shift in power dynamics within the region. The significance of the naval exercise is not limited to mere tactical training, but also carries substantial geopolitical implications, as Russia and China increasingly view each other as indispensable strategic allies in an increasingly multipolar world.
Background and Strategic Context
The “Beibu/Interaction-2024” exercise is part of an ongoing series of joint naval drills between Russia and China, reflecting a rapidly developing military rapport between the two countries. The origins of these exercises can be traced back to the early 2000s, when both nations sought to counterbalance the dominance of the United States and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. The choice of the Sea of Japan as the site for these drills is strategic, considering its proximity to major maritime routes and its significance in the security architecture of Northeast Asia.
The geopolitical environment in 2024 is characterized by escalating tensions between the United States, its Western allies, and emerging powers like Russia and China. The increasing alignment between Russia and China in military affairs serves as a counterbalance to U.S.-led alliances in the region, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) involving the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia. Moreover, this exercise showcases the operational synergy between Russian and Chinese naval forces, signaling their readiness to jointly counter external threats, particularly those from the air, sea, and underwater.
In light of this, “Beibu/Interaction-2024” is not merely a bilateral naval exercise but a symbolic representation of the emerging military order in the Asia-Pacific. It reflects the growing influence of Russia and China as key maritime powers capable of projecting force beyond their immediate shores.
Naval Capabilities and Tactical Objectives
The operational composition of the Russian and Chinese naval detachments involved in the “Beibu/Interaction-2024” exercise is indicative of the level of sophistication both nations are bringing to the drills. From the Russian Pacific Fleet, key assets include large anti-submarine ships, such as the Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs, alongside smaller vessels like the MPK-82 and MPK-107 anti-submarine ships, and the Smerch missile ship. Each of these warships plays a crucial role in enhancing Russia’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, which is critical in countering underwater threats, particularly from submarines—a domain in which many of Russia’s strategic competitors have invested heavily.
The PLAN’s participation includes state-of-the-art warships, such as the destroyers Xining and Wuxi, the frigate Linyi, and the integrated supply ship Taihu. The destroyers and frigates of the Chinese Navy bring with them formidable firepower, advanced sensors, and a variety of anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons, adding a multilayered defense capability to the combined task force. The inclusion of an integrated supply ship also emphasizes the logistical endurance and sustainability of the naval group, a critical factor in extended maritime operations.
The primary tactical objectives of “Beibu/Interaction-2024” involve practicing joint maneuvers, defense tactics when anchored at an unprotected roadstead, and repelling mock enemy attacks from various domains: air, surface, and underwater. Such drills are essential for improving interoperability between Russian and Chinese forces, ensuring they can work together seamlessly in actual combat situations. Moreover, the exercise involves live artillery fire and the use of anti-aircraft and anti-submarine systems, emphasizing the ability of the naval forces to conduct high-intensity operations under realistic combat conditions.
The duration of the exercise, set for one week, suggests a well-planned, comprehensive approach to naval warfare. The complexity of the scenarios—ranging from simulated air and submarine threats to defense operations—demonstrates both nations’ commitment to enhancing their operational capabilities in contested waters.
The Strategic Implications of the Exercise
The significance of the “Beibu/Interaction-2024” naval exercise goes beyond military training. It serves as a powerful signal to both regional actors and global powers about the strategic alignment between Russia and China. Their cooperation in the military domain has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a shared interest in countering the influence of Western powers, particularly the United States, in the Asia-Pacific region. This military cooperation is complemented by broader economic and diplomatic efforts, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which further solidify the partnership between Moscow and Beijing.
One of the key drivers of this cooperation is the shared perception of a U.S.-led containment strategy. Both Russia and China have faced increasing pressure from the West in the form of economic sanctions, military alliances, and diplomatic isolation. In response, they have sought to deepen their bilateral ties, particularly in the security domain. The “Beibu/Interaction-2024” exercise is a clear manifestation of this growing partnership, as it demonstrates their ability to project power in a region traditionally dominated by U.S. and allied forces.
Moreover, the exercise sends a message to other regional powers, such as Japan and South Korea, which are closely aligned with the United States. Both nations have expressed concerns about the growing military cooperation between Russia and China, particularly in the context of ongoing territorial disputes in the East China Sea and the Korean Peninsula. The presence of Russian and Chinese warships in the Sea of Japan is a reminder that the security dynamics of the region are shifting, with Moscow and Beijing increasingly asserting their influence.
Historical Context and Evolution of Russian-Chinese Military Cooperation
The roots of Russian-Chinese military cooperation can be traced back to the 1990s, when both nations sought to rebuild their ties following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In the early 2000s, joint military exercises between Russia and China began to take shape, with the first major bilateral exercise taking place in 2005 under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Since then, the scale and complexity of these exercises have grown significantly, reflecting the increasing importance of the bilateral relationship in the context of global security.
One of the key milestones in this evolution was the “Vostok-2018” military exercise, which saw the participation of over 300,000 troops, including Chinese forces, in what was one of the largest military drills since the Cold War. The “Beibu/Interaction-2024” exercise builds on this legacy, representing a continuation of the deepening military ties between the two nations.
In addition to joint exercises, Russia and China have also expanded their cooperation in areas such as arms sales and technology transfer. Russia has been a key supplier of advanced military equipment to China, including fighter jets, missile systems, and submarines. This cooperation has not only enhanced China’s military capabilities but also strengthened the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Global Security Implications
The growing military cooperation between Russia and China has significant implications for global security. As both nations seek to challenge the U.S.-led international order, their joint military activities serve as a counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO and the Quad. The “Beibu/Interaction-2024” exercise is a clear example of this, as it demonstrates their ability to coordinate and conduct complex military operations in a region of strategic importance.
In the broader context of global security, the Russia-China partnership is seen as a key element in the emerging multipolar world order. As the United States and its allies focus on containing the rise of China and countering Russian aggression in Europe, Moscow and Beijing have found common ground in their opposition to Western hegemony. This has led to a convergence of interests in areas such as cyber warfare, space exploration, and military technology development, further strengthening their partnership.
Economic and Diplomatic Dimensions
The deepening military cooperation between Russia and China is complemented by their growing economic and diplomatic ties. In recent years, both nations have sought to reduce their dependence on Western markets and financial systems, turning to each other for trade and investment opportunities. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s ambitious infrastructure project, has played a key role in this process, with Russia being one of its major partners.
Diplomatically, Russia and China have worked closely in international organizations such as the United Nations, where they have often aligned their positions on key issues such as Syria, North Korea, and Iran. Their joint efforts to promote a multipolar world order, in which no single country dominates the global stage, have been a key driver of their partnership.
The Future of Russian-Chinese Military Collaboration
The “Beibu/Interaction-2024” naval exercise represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Russian-Chinese military cooperation. As both nations continue to deepen their partnership in the face of growing challenges from the West, their joint military activities are likely to become more frequent and more complex. The exercise serves as a clear signal to the world that Russia and China are prepared to work together to defend their interests and assert their influence in key regions such as the Asia-Pacific.
In the coming years, the Russia-China partnership is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the global security landscape. As both nations continue to develop their military capabilities and expand their cooperation in areas such as arms sales and technology transfer, their ability to project power and influence will only grow. The “Beibu/Interaction-2024” exercise is just the latest example of this, and it is unlikely to be the last.
