China and Russia Conduct Joint Naval Drills Amid Tensions

China and Russia have initiated joint naval patrols and exercises in the South China Sea, marking their fourth such collaboration since 2021. The patrols, which began near South Korea and passed through strategic waterways near Japan and Taiwan, aim to enhance mutual military capabilities and maritime security. Despite China's assertion that these activities are routine and not targeted at any third party, the exercises underscore the growing naval cooperation between China and Russia in a region where the U.S. and its allies also conduct regular patrols.