Chinese-Russian Air Force, in a great show of military partnership, has conducted its joint strategic air patrol over the western Pacific Ocean. It is the 9th later stage of their joint operation of strategic patrol missions in what is becoming a deepening defense partnership between the two sides, as they pledge to their militaries. It was conducted by the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) as announced by the Ministry of Defense of China on November 30, 2024.
The joint patrol operations are in line with the annual bilateral military cooperation plan between the two countries, China and Russia, and took place on November 29. Other such patrols have already taken place over the years, (“recently”) mainly over the Sea of Japan, but extending into broader areas of the Pacific. With this heightened air activity, the countries continue to strengthen their defense ties with an emphasis on joint training and coordinated activities.
China-Russia Strategic Cooperation
This is certainly not their first operation together, as China and Russia have never relented in carrying out great offensive military alliances that have focused on joint military exercises and patrols of shared strategic areas of interest. The light in which these activities have been viewed – in the international arena – has not been well received. At the same time, both Moscow and Beijing have made it clear that their military activity is entirely within the confines of international law and is not aimed at third-party countries.
Although many specifics of the recent patrol remain guarded, such strategic initiatives signal deepening military and geopolitical ties between Russia and China, reflecting a common interest in balancing Western military interests in the Pacific region. These patrols are part of an extended defense collaboration from which a growing convergence can be expected as both nations strive to extend their reach in an increasingly competitive arena defined by world power dynamics.
Military Power in the Pacific
The Western Pacific is a very important part of the world with a number of international players taking interest in its air and sea routes. Such joint air patrols are not just a message to the Pacific’s regional powers but to the whole world regarding the security dynamics that have evolved between Russia and China. They also followed a pattern found in growing military relations in areas other than naval exercises, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism operations.
In the China-Russia joint statements, both Russian and Chinese officials have made it clear that these military efforts have been demanded and much discussed according to international law. The patrol is framed as if to build up bilateral trust and further strategic engagement whereby both countries again reaffirm that their defense actions do not target any third party but addressing the much-needed regional stability.
Future Prospects for Military Cooperation
As regards the future, the growing ambit and frequency of joint military activity between China and Russia may portend a time of their more profound defense coordination. Both, however, have described the increasing military ties as necessary for the safeguarding of national interests and ensuring regional peace even in the face of tensions in the Pacific. Join exercises, according to the US Army War College, definitely strengthened the military capabilities of China and Russia both.
Besides the aerial maneuvers, more joint military exercises between the two powers continue to be heralded as a show of strength and keep armed forces at operational readiness. This latest joint patrol is but one side of a much broader and increasingly complex strategic partnership.
The attention of the world will be on these developments as future progress will offer opportunities for realignment in the balance of military power in the region. It has always been the case that the relationship between Russia and China, even in the 21st century, is making a substantial impact on the geopolitical landscape due to the competition strategically posed by the United States and its allies in the Pacific theater.
In sum, the latest joint air patrol only seals further the evolving alliance between Russia and China, with the last leg travel being the Western Pacific for their upgraded military cooperation. As Moscow and Beijing continue to develop their strategic partnership, their visions for regional influence and military preparedness would together reshape the geopolitics of the coming years.
