China and Russia commenced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on August 3, 2025, marking a coordinated effort to strengthen their military partnership amid concerns over U.S. dominance. The drills, part of the "Joint Sea 2025" exercises that began with an opening ceremony in Vladivostok, include artillery and anti-submarine warfare operations. These exercises are scheduled to run through August 5 and take place both in the Sea of Japan and at Pacific Fleet training grounds. Following the conclusion of the five-day drills, the two navies plan to conduct combined maritime patrols in the Asia-Pacific region. The exercises involved advanced Chinese naval assets, such as a newly modified Type 052D destroyer equipped with advanced radar and the Type 054B frigate, the most advanced frigate in the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. Additionally, the PLA has recently released footage demonstrating the use of unmanned reconnaissance drones in coordination with intelligence officers during these operations. This joint military activity underscores the strategic collaboration between China and Russia in the Pacific and their intent to counterbalance U.S. influence in the region.