The Chinese and Russian militaries conducted their 10th joint strategic air patrol over the East China Sea and western Pacific Ocean on December 9, 2025, continuing annual defense cooperation established since 2019. The exercise involved early warning aircraft and bombers operating in coordinated formations, according to China's Defense Ministry.
This year's patrol follows a pattern of deepening military coordination between the two nations, with Chinese officials emphasizing the activities adhere to international law and are 'not targeted at any third party.' Analysts note the timing coincides with heightened regional security discussions ahead of APEC economic meetings scheduled for early 2026.
Japanese and South Korean air forces monitored the patrols, with Tokyo reporting no airspace violations. The maneuvers come as China-Russia relations reach new strategic depth, with bilateral trade hitting a record $240 billion in 2025 and energy cooperation expanding across Central Asia.
