China and Russia Conduct Joint Naval Exercises Amid Tensions with NATO
China and Russia have launched joint naval exercises in southern China, a move seen as a sign of growing tensions between the two nations and the US-led NATO alliance.
The "Joint Sea-2024" exercises, which began on Sunday in the city of Tshanjiang in Guangdong Province, are expected to last until mid-July. According to the Chinese defence ministry, the exercises aim to demonstrate the resolve and capabilities of the two sides in jointly addressing maritime security threats and preserving global and regional peace and stability.
The drills, which include anti-missile exercises, sea strikes, and air defence, were announced following the end of the NATO summit in Washington. The communiquĆ©, approved by the 32 members of the Western military alliance, labelled Beijing a "decisive enabler" of Russia in the war in Ukraine, highlighting China’s "no-limits partnership" with Russia and its large-scale support for Russia’s defense industrial base.
Moscow, meanwhile, has accused Western countries of fueling the flames of the war by delivering weapons to Ukraine, warning that this flow of weapons will only prolong the conflict. Beijing has responded to NATO’s criticism, stating that the alliance is "hyped up" on China’s responsibility on the Ukraine issue and has "sinister motives."
In a statement, Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian urged NATO to stop interfering in China’s internal politics and smearing China’s image, adding that China does not want to see chaos in the Asia-Pacific region following the turmoil in Europe.
The joint naval exercises have sparked concerns about the growing military presence of China and Russia in the region. While the exercises are aimed at strengthening maritime security, they have been seen as a display of military prowess and a warning to the US-led NATO alliance.
The tensions between China, Russia, and NATO highlight the complex web of relationships between major powers in the global arena. As the world navigates the complexities of international relations, these exercises serve as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in preventing conflicts and promoting peace.
