An announcement from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on July 30 said that after the exercise, participating forces from both sides will continue to conduct the 6th joint maritime patrolling in the West Pacific region.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaoming, a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, said the exercise was part of an annual military cooperation plan between China and Russia, not aimed at a third party and not related to the current regional or international situation.
The announcement of the People's Liberation Navy (PLA) stated that this exercise has the theme of "protecting strategic maritime routes" and "addressing security threats in the West Pacific". The goal is to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, while enhancing the capacity for coordination and stability in the region.
Participating in the exercise, the Chinese side will mobilize forces from the fleets of the eastern and northern military regions of PLA, including: Type 052D Shaoxing and Urumqi guided missile area ships; Type 903 Qiandaohu complex supply ships; Xihu complex rescue ships; fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters on ships and marine forces.
Russia deploys large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs; Rezky guardship; Igor Belousov rescue ship; fixed wing aircraft, helicopters on ships and marines.
The exercise will take place through 3 main stages: gathering forces, making a general plan and practicing exercises. During the planning period, the two sides will coordinate in organizing joint forces activities, tactical research, map exercises, as well as cultural and sports exchanges.
During the live-fire drill, the contents include: Submarine rescue, coordinated underground combat, air defense and missile defense, and sea combat.
According to PLA, since 2012, China and Russia have conducted 10 Joint Sea exercises, becoming an important foundation for promoting comprehensive naval cooperation between the two countries. These drills also contribute to improving the ability to coordinate with the military and maintain maritime security.
Immediately after the Joint Sea-2025 exercise, a 6th joint maritime patrol will be conducted in the West Pacific Ocean with the participation of some forces in the exercise.
Notably, among the Chinese forces, there is the presence of the Xihu general rescue ship, which is said to be a new specialized ship for Submarine rescue missions. The ship was first spotted by the Japan Coast Guard last week while moving through the Tsushima Strait into the Sea of Japan, according to the Japan Defense Ministry's General Staff.
According to information from the PLA Navy, the exercise will include submarine-related sections and Submarine rescue. This is considered part of the process of expanding the content of cooperation between the two naval forces.
