The Russian Defense Ministry has published footage of heavy warships from the Pacific Fleet departing their home port in Vladivostok on route to take part in the ‘Northern/Interaction-2023’ drills with their Chinese counterparts.
The missile corvettes Gremyashiy and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov will also take part in the joint drills. Russian Pacific Fleet Rear Admiral Valery Kazakov is commanding the flotilla.
The ‘Northern/Interaction-2023’ drills will take place in the Sea of Japan, and are organized by the People’s Liberation Army Navy's Northern Command.
The Russian military has indicated that the drills will focus on "maintaining the security of strategic sea lanes," and that they are designed to further improve strategic interaction between the Russian and Chinese militaries, "strengthen the ability to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and respond to various security challenges."
Five PLAN warships are expected to meet the Russian vessels, including the Qiqihar and Guiyang guided missile destroyers, the Rizhao and Zaozhuang missile frigates and the supply ship Taihu – which is equipped with four ship-borne helicopters. The Chinese vessels have left the port of Qingdao and are on route to the exercise area.
While they are not committed to any NATO-style joint operations or collective defense, Moscow and Beijing have dramatically ramped up their security cooperation in recent years, holding an unprecedented six joint Russia-China exercises in 2022 alone. In March, the two countries announced the deepening of their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.