Joint Russian-Chinese Naval Patrol Concludes in the South China Sea

The joint Russian-Chinese naval patrol in the South China Sea has concluded. In its final phase, the corvette “Sovershenny” of the Pacific Fleet and a squadron of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) consisting of the destroyer “Yinchuan,” the frigate “Hengshui,” and the comprehensive supply ship “Weishanhu” conducted a convoy training exercise in the strait zone. During this exercise, comprehensive defense of one of the patrolling ships was organized as it passed through a narrow area.

Additionally, the Russian-Chinese ship squadron conducted an underway replenishment exercise using the transverse method from the comprehensive supply ship “Weishanhu.”

Over the course of 15 days, the ships of the Russian Navy and the PLAN covered approximately 4,800 nautical miles in the Asia-Pacific region. Sailors from both countries practiced operating in various formations, addressing anti-submarine tasks, and repelling air attacks from a simulated enemy.

Background Information:

The objectives of the joint patrol are to strengthen naval cooperation between Russia and China, maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, monitor maritime areas, and protect the maritime economic activities of the Russian Federation and China.

The first joint Russian-Chinese naval patrol took place in 2021 and has been conducted annually since then.