For the first time, diesel-electric submarines from China and Russia have conducted a joint patrol in the Asia-Pacific, Russian media reported on Wednesday. The mission was part of growing military cooperation following the recent Joint Sea 2025 naval drills.
According to Russia’s Pacific Fleet, the Volkhov submarine from its fleet and a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy submarine patrolled an agreed route across the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea earlier in August, before returning to their bases.
The patrol followed large-scale exercises near Vladivostok, where both navies carried out joint air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and anchorage defence operations. The drills concluded with a joint maritime patrol in the Western Pacific from August 6 to 20.
Chinese defence experts described the joint submarine patrol as a symbol of growing strategic trust between the two nations. Submarine coordination requires advanced technical expertise and deeper exchanges, highlighting the rising interoperability of both navies.
Beijing has yet to officially confirm the submarine patrol, though it previously emphasised that such cooperation is part of the annual military plan, not directed at any third party. Analysts say the drills underscore efforts to enhance maritime security and regional stability.
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