China and Russia to Conduct Joint Naval Exercises Near Vladivostok in August

China and Russia are set to carry out joint naval exercises in the vicinity of Vladivostok, Russia, this August, according to an announcement by the Chinese Defense Ministry on Wednesday. Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Defense Ministry, confirmed during a press briefing that the Sea-2025 exercise will involve both countries’ naval and air forces operating in the surrounding waters and airspace.

"After the conclusion of the exercise, participating units from both sides will undertake the sixth joint maritime patrol in designated areas of the Pacific Ocean," Zhang stated.

He emphasized that this exercise forms part of the annual military collaboration plan between China and Russia. Zhang clarified that the drills are not targeted at any other nation and are independent of current international or regional circumstances.

This planned exercise follows previous joint operations, including last July’s drills near Zhanjiang in southern China’s Guangdong Province, highlighting the ongoing defense partnership between the two nations.