China and Russia have commenced joint naval exercises concentrating on submarine rescue operations. Beijing aims to gain operational experience from Russia in this critical area amidst escalating underwater competition.
China's CCTV reported that Japanese warships and aircraft repeatedly harassed and provoked Chinese naval assets during a 40-day exercise in the western Pacific and South China Sea. Japan has not yet responded to the accusations.
Canada is sending three naval vessels, including two frigates and a submarine, to the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (Rimpac) from Wednesday to July 31. The exercise involves over 25,000 personnel from 31 countries and will feature anti-submarine warfare training. Canada will also command the air component.
China's PLA Southern Theatre Command announced Friday that a naval fleet recently conducted drills in waters east of Luzon, the northernmost major island of the Philippines. The command, which oversees the South China Sea, described the exercises as "a necessary action taken in response to the current regional situation." The deployment coincided with Monday's launch of Balikatan 2026, a 19-day annual large-scale joint exercise led by the United States and the Philippines.
