Russia, China Hold Naval Drills Targeting ‘Enemy Submarine’ After Trump Tariff Move

Russia, China Hold Joint Naval Drill to Simulate Submarine Strike Amid US Pressure.

The Russian and Chinese navies carried out joint anti-submarine warfare drills in the Sea of Japan this week, days after US President Donald Trump revealed that he had ordered two American nuclear submarines closer to Russian waters. According to a statement from Russia’s defense ministry on Wednesday, the exercise involved Chinese Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft and Russia’s Il-38 maritime patrol planes, supported by helicopter crews from the Russian Pacific Fleet.

“As a result of effective joint actions, the ‘enemy’ submarine was promptly detected and mock-destroyed,” the ministry said, adding that crews from both sides “thanked each other for their fruitful work.” The drills come against a backdrop of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow. Trump said his decision to reposition US submarines followed “highly provocative” comments by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, who warned of growing risks of conflict between nuclear powers.

While the Kremlin downplayed Trump’s remarks — noting that US submarines are routinely on patrol — it also warned that “everyone should be very, very careful with nuclear rhetoric.”

Timing Raises Strategic Concerns
The exercise forms part of an ongoing series of joint military operations between Russia and China, both of whom have deepened defense cooperation since signing a “no-limits” strategic partnership shortly before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The timing of the latest drills is notable. Trump has threatened new sanctions on Russia and warned countries that continue to buy Russian oil — including India and China — that they could face penalties unless President Vladimir Putin agrees to end the war in Ukraine by Friday.

While Moscow and Beijing maintain that their military exercises are routine and defensive, analysts say such maneuvers are intended to sharpen coordination between their forces and send a deterrent message to Western adversaries.