Defence Ministry

In the aftermath of the NATO summit in Washington, where member state leaders accused China of aiding Russia in its aggressive war against Ukraine, the Chinese Ministry of Defence announced joint military exercises with Russia along its southern coast.

The NATO summit saw leaders highlighting China’s support for Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.  The leaders asserted that China was providing critical support that enabled Russia to continue its aggressive actions.

These claims have been met with strong denials from China, which maintains that it has taken a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Joint Military Exercises

Despite NATO’s accusations, the Chinese Ministry of Defence confirmed that Russian ships had arrived in Chenzhen, Guangdong province, to participate in the “Joint Sea 2024” exercises.

These drills will take place in both the maritime and aerial domains of the People’s Republic of China. Notably, this is the first such exercise in the South China Sea region since 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a significant military offensive against Ukraine.

The strategic importance of these exercises cannot be understated. The South China Sea is a critical region for China, both economically and militarily.

The presence of Russian naval forces in this area underscores the deepening military ties between the two countries. The last time Russian and Chinese military forces conducted exercises in this region was in 2016, highlighting the significance of the current developments.

China’s Response to NATO

In response to the NATO summit’s declarations, the Chinese embassy in the United States accused NATO members of bias against China. The embassy reiterated China’s stance of neutrality regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. Furthermore, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed similar sentiments, accusing the United States and NATO of making unfounded allegations against China. The Chinese officials emphasised that their country was not involved in the conflict, except for the ongoing military exercises.

Strategic Military Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s actions suggest a deliberate disregard for Western criticisms. Despite warnings from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Beijing, Xi has demonstrated a commitment to continuing strategic military cooperation with Russia. Blinken had cautioned Chinese leaders about the consequences of their collaboration with Moscow, but these warnings seem to have been ignored.

On the same day that Blinken met with Xi, the Chinese and Russian Defence Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strategic military cooperation. This meeting sent a clear signal that the partnership between Beijing and Moscow remains a priority for both countries. The ongoing military exercises and their timing, right after NATO’s accusations, clearly indicate China’s stance on its military relationship with Russia.

Implications for Global Security

The scale of military cooperation between China and Russia has significant implications for global security. China’s military-technical assistance enables Russia to modernise its arsenal, which is crucial for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Analysts estimate that China’s support contributes up to 90% of Russia’s military equipment needs. While China may not directly supply weapons, it provides essential components for Russia’s military industry.

Countries like Iran and North Korea also supply arms to Russia, but their contributions are limited compared to China’s capacity.

China’s substantial economic power allows it to support Russia indefinitely, which complicates efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

The West continues to aid Ukraine through military supplies and financial support, but the shadow of China’s backing for Russia looms large.

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