Russia And China Hold First Joint Naval Mission In Pacific Ocean Sending Message To The West

The Russian and Chinese navy sent warships on a joint mission into the Pacific Ocean for the first time as relations between Moscow, Bejing and the West continue to deteriorate.

The joint fleet was made up of both Russian and Chinese frigates, destroyers, anti-submarine ships and logistical vessels.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said in a statement that: "Combat ships of the Russian Navy and the naval forces of the People's Republic of China from October 17 to 23, 2021 for the first time conducted joint patrols in the western part of the Pacific Ocean."

The joint patrol came as Xi Jinping clashed with the US and its allies over the status of Taiwan whilst Russia lashed out at ongoing talks surrounding Ukraine's potential entry into the NATO alliance.

The Ministry of Defence claimed that the objective of the patrol was to "maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as protect the objects of maritime economic activity of the two countries."

Moscow and Bejing have been diplomatically moving closer together lately as their countries have seen relations with the West turn increasingly sour.

According to the Warsaw Institute, a think tank focused on geo-politics, Moscow and Beijing have strengthened their military relationship over the last decade based not on common goals but common fears.

The think tank reported that the Kremlin is particularly interested in allying with the world’s emerging superpower as its ailing economy and position on the world stage is increasingly eclipsed by the US and its allies.

The think tank added that China stands to benefit from the relationship by purchasing Russian weapons and training for its military whilst counter-balancing US and NATO influence.

The Warsaw Institute states that the two countries have never been as close as they are today since they signed their Treaty of Friendship in 2001.

The patrol follows a joint Sino-Russian exercise that saw 10 naval vessels sailing through the Sea of Japan as part of the 'Maritime Interaction-2021' mission last Monday, 18th October.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said in a statement at the time that the sailors performed over 20 different combat exercises, practised tactical manoeuvring and communications during the training missions.

Japan watched on nervously as the two navies passed through international waters off the coast of the island.

The most recent drill concluded on Saturday, 23rd October, and according to the ministry of defence saw the ships covers an estimated 1,700 nautical miles (3,148 kilometres).

Ministry of Defense of Russia/NF/Peter Barker