The second phase commenced with an opening ceremony at a Russian naval base last Saturday. Chinese and Russian warships then departed for the designated exercise area. The PLA Navy stated that the drills will focus on maritime and air escort, defense tactics, air defense, anti-missile operations, and live-fire exercises.
A Chinese military official noted that the Northern/Interaction series has evolved into a well-established program with standardized procedures, increasingly mirroring real combat scenarios.
The joint fleet, which includes Chinese destroyers Xining and Wuxi, frigate Linyi, and supply ship Taihu, first met their Russian counterparts on Sept. 9. The initial phase of drills took place in East Sea and Sea of Okhotsk until Sept. 15.
An unnamed Chinese military expert explained that the exercise is divided into two phases, with the first coinciding with Russia's Ocean-2024 strategic exercise, while the second is a standalone operation.
In addition to the naval exercises, the two countries' coast guards conducted joint drills near Peter the Great Bay from September 16 to 20, followed by a joint patrol in North Pacific international waters starting Sept. 21.
Experts believe that this high level of cooperation in both military and law enforcement domains aids in maintaining international maritime order and advancing ocean governance.
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