Russian and Chinese submarines have carried out their first-ever joint patrol in the Asia-Pacific, the Russian navy’s Pacific Fleet has said, building on a pattern of increasing military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
The Pacific Fleet confirmed that the patrol, which involved diesel-electric submarines, began in early August and followed the completion of Russian-Chinese naval exercises in the Sea of Japan, according to the Interfax news agency.
The Russian vavy described the activity as part of an ongoing program of bilateral drills that have expanded in both scale and scope in recent years.
Newsweek has reached out to the foreign ministries of Russia and China for comment.
Why It Matters
The two nations have previously conducted joint naval patrols, but these were limited to surface vessels. The inclusion of submarines reflects a new stage in their collaboration.
This patrol marked the first time Russian and Chinese submarines have been sent out together, highlighting a significant development in their military-to-military coordination.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) exchanges documents with Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) during their meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace, May 8, 2025 in Moscow, Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) exchanges documents with Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) during their meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace, May 8, 2025 in Moscow, Russia.
Contributor/Getty Images
What To Know
Earlier in August, the two navies carried out simulated submarine rescue operations as part of a bilateral war game. The joint patrol commenced shortly after.
During the earlier drills, a Chinese submarine was deployed to Russian waters for the first time. Russian state media highlighted the operation as a demonstration of the technical ability of both navies to cooperate under challenging conditions.
Russia and China have forged closer ties in recent years, forming what has been described as a quasi-alliance to counterbalance the United States. They have pursued deeper military cooperation across several domains, and joint activities have taken place in the Western Pacific and in other regions, underscoring the global reach of their cooperation.
In this photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, Chinese navy ship Xihu attends the China-Russia “Joint Sea-2025” military exercise near Vladivostok, Russia’s far east.
In this photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, Chinese navy ship Xihu attends the China-Russia “Joint Sea-2025” military exercise near Vladivostok, Russia’s far east.
Russian Defense Ministry Press Service
Expanding Naval Capabilities
Both Russia and China are investing heavily in their underwater forces. The Russians have modernized a far-eastern naval base to home-port nuclear-powered submarines. China—already the operator of the world’s largest navy by hull count—is continuing to expand its fleet through new technologies and shipbuilding.
Recent reports from Russian and Chinese outlets have pointed to a steady increases in training exercises involving both navies, emphasizing the importance each places on naval readiness.
What Happens Next
The joint submarine patrol is expected to serve as a foundation for future operations between the two navies. Russian officials have indicated that further drills are planned, while Chinese state media has also suggested that joint training will continue.
Both nations appear set to maintain regular military activities as part of their expanding partnership.
Update 8/27/25, 9:30 a.m. ET: This developing news story was updated with further information.
A submarine is moored during a media tour by the PLA Naval Museum, organized by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ahead to the Defence Ministers’ Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member…
A submarine is moored during a media tour by the PLA Naval Museum, organized by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ahead to the Defence Ministers’ Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Qingdao, in eastern China’s Shandong province on June 25, 2025.
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