Chinese warships head to Russia for drill

China and Russia are stepping up their military collaboration by holding another round of naval exercises, this time in the Sea of Japan, following recent measures adopted by Tokyo that could deepen its military ties with Washington.

The exercise titled “Joint Sea 2015 II” will start on Aug. 28 in the Sea of Japan and off the coast of Vladivostok.

“A source close to the operation said navies of the two countries will join forces to simulate anti-submarine combat and air defense and other relevant missions”.

The Chinese task force coming to Vladivostok comprises seven warships, six shipborne helicopters, five warplanes, 21 amphibious vehicles and 200 marines.

“The major goals of the exercises will be to train and improve the organization of joint actions in the sea, on land and in the air”, said Russian Eastern Military District spokesman Capt. 1st Rank Roman Martov.

The joint exercise will be the second joint drill between Russia and China this near following the first Joint Sea 2015 in the Mediterranean Sea in April.

Dispelling speculation from the Western media, analysts said the exercises are defensive in nature and that military cooperation between China and Russia does not intend to challenge the regional status-quo. “A joint beach landing of troops is also planned”, a report in a Chinese state-controlled Xinhua news service read.

The Russian navy will send 16 surface ships, two submarines, nine units of amphibious equipment and 200 marines to participate in the drills.

The Joint Sea-2015 (II) is being timed with the growing militarisation of the Pacific under President Barack Obama’s “Pivot to Asia” doctrine, which empowers the U.S. Pacific Command to draw nearly two-thirds of all American forces under its wing.

However, the truth is China and Russia have never wanted the routine drill, conducted annually by the two navies since 2012, to be a saber-rattling event but one that promotes maritime security and regional stability.

Held near Peter the Great Gulf.

The drills involved nine surface ships from the two navies, focusing on maritime defense, replenishment and escorts.