BEIJING: The navies of China, Iran and Russia are staging joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman this week, Beijing said Monday. The military exercises, scheduled to take place from Monday through Friday, are aimed at “jointly maintaining regional maritime security”, according to a statement published on social media platform WeChat by China’s defense ministry.
The military exercises underscore the strategic cooperation between the three countries in the realm of maritime defense. China’s participation will involve the deployment of the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi, and comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu.
Although specific details of the drills were not disclosed, the joint maneuvers come as a follow-up to similar exercises held in March last year.
Significance of Joint Naval Drills
The timing of this year’s drills coincides with heightened tensions in the region, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Houthis in Yemen.
Russian involvement in the joint exercises was confirmed by state media reports, which indicated that a fleet from the country’s Pacific Fleet, led by the Varyag cruiser, had arrived at the Iranian port of Chah Bahar ahead of the drills. The practical phase of the exercises will be conducted in the waters of the Gulf of Oman, with the primary objective being to ensure the safety of maritime economic activities.
The joint naval drills signal a concerted effort by China, Russia, and Iran to enhance coordination and cooperation in maritime security, amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.
