Naval Cooperation: China, Russia, and Iran Conduct Joint Exercises Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Warships from China, Russia, and Iran are set to engage in joint naval exercises in a strategic Middle Eastern waterway, as the three nations emphasize their growing cooperation and military capabilities. According to reports from state-run media, the drills are scheduled to begin on March 10, as announced by Iran's Tasnim news agency. The Chinese Defense Ministry has identified the upcoming exercise, named 'Security Belt 2025', which will take place near the Iranian port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman coast. The primary objective is to enhance military trust and foster pragmatic collaboration among the participating nations.
This year's exercises are part of an ongoing annual initiative among the three countries and occur at a time when both China and Iran are navigating complex dynamics with the United States. The increasing frequency of cooperation between China and Russia has also been observed, as their navies have engaged in several drills together recently, including activities in the Pacific and as far off as the coast of South Africa.
In January, Russia and Iran solidified their relationship through an agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade and defense matters. The upcoming naval drills will feature a variety of activities, including simulated attacks on maritime targets, joint search and rescue operations, as well as spot checks and arrests. China will contribute its Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, an advanced warship pivotal to Beijing's naval expansion efforts. While Russia and Iran have yet to specify which vessels from their fleets will participate, significant military exercises involving their fleets were conducted in March 2024 alongside multiple nations, focusing on anti-piracy operations.
During the previous exercises, China's 45th naval escort task force collaborated with Russia's Pacific fleet and over ten Iranian vessels in a demonstration of strength. Observers from Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, India, and South Africa were present to witness the joint maneuvers.
These drills come as China has been steadily asserting its naval strength in recent months. Currently, China boasts the world's largest maritime force with 234 operational warships, surpassing the U.S. Navy's fleet of 219, as reported by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Although the U.S. retains a technological advantage in naval warfare, China's ongoing investments signal a strong intent to bridge that gap.
In February, China conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea near Australia, prompting nearby Australian and New Zealand vessels and aircraft to monitor the activity closely. The Australian government raised concerns that the Chinese maneuvers forced adjustments to airline flight routes for safety reasons.
Tensions between China and Taiwan have also escalated recently, with Taiwan reporting one of the largest military exercises carried out by China around the self-governing island in December 2024, during which Chinese naval vessels encircled Taiwan and military jets breached its airspace. The situation surrounding Taiwan remains a focal point of tension in China-U.S. relations, as the United States is Taiwan's largest military ally, crucial for its defense against potential aggression from Beijing.
As recent statements from China's military indicate, Beijing has vowed to tighten a noose around Taiwan if steps toward formal independence are pursued by Taipei, which is viewed as a separatist act. The geopolitical landscape is continually shifting, with military exercises and alliances playing a significant role in shaping the regional balance of power.
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