China and Russia will conduct their annual Joint Sea 2025 naval exercise and maritime patrol near Vladivostok in August. The Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, stated the drills are part of an annual cooperation plan and not targeted at any specific country. However, Japan expressed security concerns regarding the growing military cooperation between China and Russia. China criticized ongoing US Air Force exercises in the western Pacific, characterizing them as intimidation tactics.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.