China and Russia conducted a series of joint military drills in 2022, surpassing the scale of their cooperation over the past two decades. This has raised concerns about a potential escalation of tensions between the two countries.
According to a Bloomberg report on July 15, China and Russia held six joint military drills last year, marking the highest number in the past 20 years. Data from the United States National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs supported this claim. These drills accounted for two-thirds of China’s total military exercises with foreign armed forces in 2022. Notably, most of these drills took place after Russia launched a full-fledged war on Ukraine.
The significance of these joint drills is further underscored by the involvement of other nations. Two of the drills included the armed forces of Syria and Iran, as reported by Bloomberg. This highlights the growing collaboration and coordination between China, Russia, and their regional allies.
On July 16, China’s defense ministry announced the departure of a Chinese naval flotilla comprising five warships and four ship-borne helicopters to join Russian naval and air forces in the Sea of Japan for military drills. This demonstrates the depth of military ties between the two nations.
Prior to this joint exercise, two Russian warships participated in separate training with the Chinese navy in Shanghai. These drills focused on formation movements, communication, and sea rescues. The ships sailed past Taiwan and Japan on their way to Shanghai, triggering surveillance by both Taipei and Tokyo. This further fueled concerns about the intentions behind China and Russia’s military cooperation.
Japan, in particular, has sounded the alarm over China’s military collaboration with Russia. Japan’s draft annual defense report warns about entering “a new era of crisis” due to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which it claims has disrupted the international order in Europe and Asia. The report highlights that Russia’s conventional military forces may have suffered significant damage, potentially leading to a shift in the military balance in the region.
It is essential to note that the partnership between Russia and China has been growing stronger. The two countries declared a “no limits” partnership just days before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion, citing Russia’s “legitimate concerns on security issues.” This alignment of interests and the absence of criticism from China raise concerns about possible future collaborations that could impact regional stability.
Furthermore, there are speculations that CCP leader Xi Jinping might take inspiration from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions and consider invading Taiwan. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has fueled these concerns. In response, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned that the Chinese regime is more likely to make a military move against Taiwan in 2027. The potential for a direct conflict between China and Taiwan heightens global anxieties.
CIA Director William Burns has emphasized that China represents the United States’ “biggest geopolitical challenge.” He believes that global competition with the CCP could be more intense than the past rivalry with the Soviet Union. The scope of this competition extends beyond military aspects to encompass economic, technological, and ideological domains.
In conclusion, the increased scale of joint military drills between China and Russia in 2022 has raised concerns about potential regional escalation and conflict. The involvement of other nations and the alignment of interests between China and Russia further compounds these concerns. The international community closely monitors the situation, as the implications of this military cooperation have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global power dynamics.
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