In a significant development underscoring the deepening ties between China and Russia, the respective defense ministers of both countries, Dong Jun and Sergei Shoigu, have affirmed their commitment to elevate military cooperation to unprecedented levels. This announcement, made during a bilateral meeting on January 31st, marks a notable advancement in the strategic partnership between the two nations.
While the specific details regarding the practical implications of this strengthened military cooperation are yet to be fully disclosed, the announcement could imply much closer collaboration, potentially extending beyond joint exercises to include innovative programs for the development of new weapons and cooperation in military intelligence information sharing. These affirmations by both defense ministers signal a clear intent to deepen strategic alignment and bolster defense ties between China and Russia.
The meeting between both ministers presented itself as a symbolic achievement, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia this year. The diplomatic ties between both countries originated when the newly established People’s Republic of China was recognized by the Soviet Union in October 1949. Since then, the relationship between the two nations has evolved through various geopolitical shifts, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. In recent years, the alignment between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin has become increasingly pronounced, particularly amidst growing tension with Western powers. This strategic partnership was highlighted by the declaration of a “partnership with no limits” just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Collaboration in the military realm between both countries is not new. In recent years, China and Russia have increasingly utilized joint military exercises to assert their presence and capabilities in response to geopolitical developments. For instance, following a ruling invalidating China’s claim over much of the South China Sea, they conducted Joint Sea 2016, focusing on island seizure operations. Similarly, a joint aerial patrol coincided with a summit of the Quadrilateral Strategic Dialogue (Quad) in Tokyo in May 2022, seen as a direct response to the summit. Besides, these exercises also serve as positive signals to friends and neighbors. More than half of the joint exercises between China and Russia involve participation from members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and other neighboring states. These drils not only enhance the military capabilities of participating countries but also serve to assure them of Bejing and Moscow´s readiness to address regional security threats and provide assistance when needed.
Shoigu also clarified that both Beijing and Moscow do not intend to target any specific country and lack a formal military alliance. “Unlike some Western countries, our two countries do not form a military bloc,” Shoigu said.[1] These clarifications often come from Beijing, which is concerned about the potential repercussions on its global reputation due to its rapprochement with Moscow. Statements issued by Beijing after bilateral summits tend to be less enthusiastic. On the other hand, this choice of words by the minister underscores a deliberate effort to differentiate their approach from that of Western countries, emphasizing their independent and non-aggressive stance in global affairs.
In all, this strengthening of relations could also potentially be influenced by NATO´s military exercises conducted near Russia’s borders. These maneuvers, which commenced last January, have seen NATO preparing to launch its largest military exercise in decades. With approximately 90,000[2] personnel scheduled to participate in months of drills, these plans represent a significant display of military capability and readiness by NATO forces in the event of a potential Russian attack.
According to the organisation, the exercises will serve as a rehearsal for the possible execution of the alliance’s regional defense plans, which are the first of their kind to be drawn up in decades. While NATO did not explicitly mention Russia by name in its announcement, its top strategic document identifies Moscow as the most significant and direct threat to member states. The maneuvers are set to last until the end of May, with Poland and the Baltics serving as the main locations for the drills. This marks the largest Western military exercises conducted since the Cold War.
This growing military cooperation between China and Russia reflects a strategic co-operation on global issues. Both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin share similar views regarding West and recognize the strategic advantages of closer alignment between their nations. Nevertheless, they remain wary of each other’s interests. This cautious approach underlines the complex dynamics of the Sino-Russian partnership, where mutual interests converge but individual sovereignty and strategic autonomy are also preserved.
[1] “China’s New Defence Minister Urges ‘Closest’ Military Relations in First Talks with Russian Counterpart”, South China Morning Post, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3250511/new-chinese-defence-minister-dong-jun-speaks-russian-counterpart, (Date Accessed: 07.02.2024).
[2] “NATO Holds Biggest Exercise in Decades Amid Russia Build-Up Fears”, EuroNews, https://www.euronews.com/2024/01/19/nato-holds-biggest-exercise-in-decades-amid-russia-build-up-fears, (Date Accessed: 07.02.2024).
