The "Joint Sea 2025" exercise, involving Russian and Chinese navies, concluded on August 5 near Vladivostok, Russia. Following this, a joint naval patrol commenced, with vessels navigating the Asia-Pacific region and coming within approximately 575 miles of Attu Island, Alaska. The flotilla included the Chinese destroyer CNS Shaoxing, the supply ship CNS Qiandaohu, and the Russian destroyer Admiral Tributs. These ships were observed docked in Avacha Bay after their patrol route, which was pre-approved by the Russian Pacific Fleet. This joint activity is part of an annual bilateral cooperation plan aimed at enhancing interoperability and addressing regional security challenges.
In response to the increasing military presence and coordinated activities of Russia and China in the region, U.S. military leaders are advocating for enhanced defense capabilities in Alaska. Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has publicly supported the reopening of the naval facility on Adak Island and the upgrading of Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island. These measures are intended to bolster maritime patrol and reconnaissance capabilities, providing greater strategic depth and response time against potential incursions. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska has been a vocal proponent of these initiatives, highlighting Adak's strategic location and existing infrastructure, which includes piers, runways, and significant fuel storage. The potential revival of these Cold War-era facilities reflects a proactive approach to the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need to maintain a robust U.S. military posture in the strategically vital Arctic and Pacific regions.
The "Joint Sea 2025" exercise itself featured complex maritime operations, including joint air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and live-fire drills, demonstrating a growing synergy between the Russian and Chinese navies. This collaboration is viewed as a significant development, signaling a shared strategic alignment and a collective effort to project influence in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. military's response, including the deployment of assets to monitor the patrol, signifies a commitment to safeguarding national security interests and maintaining regional stability in the face of these evolving dynamics.