As an unprecedented step toward Sino-Russian military cooperation, Russian and Chinese submarines conducted their inaugural joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean this August. Beginning early August following completion of Russo-Chinese Maritime Interaction 2025 exercises in the Sea of Japan, this historic operation involved Russian and Chinese diesel-electric submarines navigating both seas simultaneously – marking an historic moment in bilateral naval collaboration. A record 13 diesel electric submarines from both nations took part. Reddit, Yahoo Global Times and Army Recognition all reported on it simultaneously +2 The Russian submarine involved in this patrol was the Project 636.3 Kilo-class vessel Volkhov (B-603) from Vladivostok. This class is known for its stealth capabilities and advanced sonar systems. China participated through its Great Wall 210 submarine which acquired from Russia between 1997 and 2005 as an Improved Kilo-class submarine, both equipped with heavyweight torpedoes and cruise missiles to make them formidable tools of subsea warfare. Army Recognition The joint patrol was part of an expansive exercise involving surface vessels from both nations, such as Russian corvette Gromkiy and anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs operating alongside Chinese destroyers Urumqi and Shaoxing as well as rescue ships Igor Belousov (Russia) and Xihu (China), conducting joint evacuation and submarine rescue drills that showcased its technical sophistication. Army Recognition News.com.au + 2 Analysts consider this joint patrol an important step toward increasing interoperability between the naval forces of Russia and China. Submarine operations require precise coordination and advanced communication protocols; its success was indicative of both strategic trust between them as well as technical competence between their navy forces. Geopolitically, the joint patrol sends a clear signal to both Russia and China’s allies in the Indo-Pacific of their growing military collaboration, while simultaneously sending an important message about how committed both nations are to upholding maritime security in Asia-Pacific region and challenging U.S.-led global order by asserting influence over contested waters. Winning Army Recognition at such event! This new development comes after Russia and China conducted joint military activities, such as air patrols and naval exercises in the Pacific, that raised alarm among regional stakeholders about deepening military ties. Although both nations maintain that their collaborations do not target any third party directly, their increased frequency and scale suggest they might have strategic plans in mind that aim at countering Western influence in this part of Asia. As Russia and China step up their military cooperation, the international community will closely assess its ramifications on regional security dynamics as well as geopolitical developments more broadly.
