China and Russia have launched joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, aiming to boost military ties and counterbalance US influence. The three-day “Joint Sea-2025” exercises near Vladivostok include anti-submarine, air defense, and maritime combat operations, according to Al Jazeera.

Four Chinese warships are participating alongside Russian vessels, with joint patrols planned in the Pacific afterward. While both sides say the drills are defensive, Japan has voiced concerns over their growing military cooperation amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.