Russia and China have commenced large-scale military exercises involving multiple allied nations, underscoring deepening defence ties between Moscow and Beijing as both face heightened tensions with the United States. The Vostok 2022 drills, running until 7 September, are being held at seven training grounds in Russia's far east and the Sea of Japan.
The Russian defence ministry stated that the exercises involve over 50,000 troops, 5,000 weapons units, including 140 aircraft and 60 warships. Chief of the Russian General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, is personally overseeing the manoeuvres, which include troops from several ex-Soviet states, China, India, Laos, Mongolia, Nicaragua and Syria.
As part of the drills, Russian and Chinese navies will practice joint actions to protect sea communications and support ground forces in coastal areas. China has deployed more than 2,000 troops, over 300 military vehicles, 21 combat aircraft and three warships. The Global Times noted this is the first time China has sent forces from three military branches to a single Russian drill, highlighting the depth of bilateral military cooperation.
The exercises showcase growing defence cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, which has intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. China has refrained from criticising Russia's actions, instead blaming the US and NATO for provoking Moscow, and has condemned Western sanctions. Russia has reciprocated by supporting China amid US tensions following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.
Political analyst Alexander Gabuev commented that Beijing aims to signal to Washington that continued pressure could push it to strengthen military ties with Moscow. The drills follow a series of joint exercises in recent years, including naval drills and bomber patrols over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea.
