Russian and Chinese Submarines Patrol Pacific Together for the First Time

Submarines of the Russian Navy and the PLA Navy conducted their first joint underwater patrol in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, according to the press service of the Russian Pacific Fleet on Aug. 27. A Pacific Fleet diesel-electric submarine and a PLAN submarine took part in the maneuver. Having completed their assigned tasks, the submarines headed back to their bases. According to a statement of the Pacific Fleet, “The main objectives of the joint patrol are to strengthen naval cooperation between Russia and China, maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, monitor the sea area and protect the maritime economic activity of the Russian Federation and China.” Russian and Chinese naval sailors also traditionally practice maneuvering and interaction issues during joint training.