Russia and China Conduct Joint Naval Drills
Russia and China have recently engaged in joint naval drills and war games, showcasing their strength and unity to the regional and Western audiences. Experts believe that Russia aims to divert US attention from Europe and weaken the NATO alliance, while China seeks to intimidate regional adversaries and learn from Russia’s military experience.
With China being a key partner, at least 15 countries were invited to observe the drills. This collaboration served as a counterbalance to the Western security alliance, as highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the exercises’ launch in early September.
Notably, this isn’t the first time Russia and China have conducted military exercises together this year. The two nations collaborated in July, flying bombers off the US coast of Alaska and staging anti-terrorism exercises in Belarus, near NATO’s eastern flank.
NATO’s Focus on the Indo-Pacific Region
NATO’s increased cooperation with key regional partners in the Indo-Pacific, known as the IP4, has raised concerns in China. The alliance aims to enhance situational awareness of security developments in response to the growing influence of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Despite tensions, NATO member states are cautious about expansion and seek to collaborate on global concerns such as cybersecurity and counterterrorism. The alliance’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region involves sharing insights on threats and enhancing security cooperation with Asian partners.