The second phase of the joint naval exercise Northern Union-2024 commenced in a Russian naval base on September 21, 2024, according to the official WeChat account of the Navy Political Work Department, People’s Navy, in a post on September 21. The opening ceremony was attended by commanders from both the Chinese and Russian sides, as well as members of the joint operational command.
Chinese Fleet Departs for Exercise Sea
The Chinese naval fleet, led by the warship Xining, was seen moving towards the designated exercise area. The sailors were photographed saluting and waving goodbye to Russian personnel and Chinese students present at the dock.
At around 10 a.m. local time, the Russian and Chinese national anthems were played, followed by speeches from both sides’ task commanders. The Chinese task commander declared the start of the exercise and expressed confidence that the joint drill would strengthen bilateral military relations and enhance joint operational capabilities.
Enhancing Bilateral Military Cooperation
The Chinese task commander highlighted the significance of the Northern Union series of exercises, noting their growing sophistication and relevance to real-world scenarios. The commander emphasized that these drills have become a crucial platform for consolidating and developing the strategic partnership between the two countries, enhancing mutual trust, and improving the ability to conduct joint operations.
Preparations and Exercises
After the opening ceremony, the participating naval vessels set sail for the designated exercise area. The Chinese warship Xining departed the Russian port, marking the beginning of the joint exercises. The drills are expected to cover multiple scenarios, including maritime and aerial escort, defensive maneuvers, air defense, anti-missile operations, and live-fire exercises.
Background and Significance
The Northern Union joint exercises have been conducted annually since the inception of the series. The drills aim to enhance cooperation and coordination between the Chinese and Russian navies, as well as to showcase their combined military capabilities. This year’s exercise comes amidst growing military cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on improving joint operational readiness and interoperability.
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The Northern Union-2024 joint naval exercise is a significant event in the ongoing military cooperation between China and Russia. It serves as a practical demonstration of their joint operational capabilities and a testament to the strengthening of bilateral military relations. The exercises are expected to contribute to regional stability and security through enhanced collaboration and mutual understanding between the two navies.
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