Russia, China launch joint naval drills in Sea of Japan

The Beibu/Interaction 2024 joint naval exercise between Russia and China has officially begun in Vladivostok, located in Russia's Far East, as confirmed by the Pacific Fleet.

“A joint detachment of warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet and the Chinese Navy has set sail from Vladivostok to participate in the Beibu/Interaction 2024 exercises,” the fleet stated, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Prior to departure, a ceremonial formation of the crews took place, marking the commencement of the bilateral exercises.

Over the next week, the joint fleet will operate in the Sea of Japan, focusing on strategies to repel simulated attacks from aerial, surface, and underwater threats. The drills will also include joint manoeuvres and defensive operations while anchored in an unprotected roadstead.

From the Russian side, the participating vessels include the large anti-submarine ships Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs, as well as the small anti-submarine ships MPK-82 and MPK-107, and the small missile ship Smerch.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy is represented by the destroyers Xining and Wuxi, the frigate Linyi, and the integrated supply ship Taihu.

The Chinese ships arrived in Vladivostok on September 18, where their crew members participated in various sports and cultural events during their stay at the Russian Pacific Fleet's main base.