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Victoria Bela

China will hold joint naval exercises with Russia and Iran in the Indian Ocean this month, the Chinese defence ministry said on Sunday.
The ministry said the “Security Belt-2025” joint exercise would be held near the Iranian port of Chabahar on the coast of the Gulf of Oman with the aim of deepening “military trust and pragmatic cooperation”.
The exercise will include simulated attacks on maritime targets, joint search and rescue drills, and spot checks and arrests.
China will send the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and supply ship Gaoyouhu from the 47th naval escort task force to take part in the exercise.
The full task force, which also includes the guided-missile frigate Honghe and two ship-borne helicopters, has been patrolling in the nearby Gulf of Aden since December.
Last year’s exercise was held between March 11 to 15 and focused on anti-piracy and search and rescue drills.
Exercises included the armed rescue of hijacked merchant vessels and firing on targets at sea, according to the defence ministry.
China’s 45th naval escort task force took part in those drills, along with Russia’s Pacific fleet and more than 10 Iranian vessels. Representatives from Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, India and South Africa acted as observers.


Russia and Iran have not yet confirmed which of their fleets will be involved this year.
Earlier this month ships from the Russian Pacific fleet, including the corvettes Aldar Tsydenzhapov and Rezkiy and marine tanker Pechenga, conducted artillery drills in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean, according to Russian media reports.
Security in the Gulf of Oman is a key concern because it is a vital trade route as well as an oil and gas chokepoint. This location offers the three countries the opportunity to expand their influence across the Middle East.
The exercise comes amid increasing cooperation between the three countries, including an agreement signed in January between the Russian and Iranian presidents, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian, to boost cooperation in areas including trade and the military.
Iran is facing rising tensions with the United States after President Donald Trump called for a deal to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, a move Tehran condemned as “bullying”.
By contrast, relations between Russia and the US have thawed since Trump came to power and Moscow has offered to help the White House communicate with Iran on issues such as its nuclear programme and support for regional anti-US proxies.


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China set for joint naval exercise Security Belt-2025 with Russia and Iran

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China’s navy

Warships pictured during last year’s exercise in the Gulf of Oman. Photo: AP

The Chinese navy ships Zunyi, Hengyang and Weishanhu have conducted combat exercises near Australia and are believed to be soon heading back towards China after being tracked northwest of Perth on Thursday. Photo: CCTV

Why China conducted naval drills in waters between Australia and New Zealand

Sailors onboard the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Arunta look at the People’s Liberation Army-Navy Fuchi-class replenishment vessel and Weishanhu Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang in the Tasman Sea on February 13.Photo: Australian Defence Force/AFP 

News

China

Military

The drills in the Gulf of Oman will include simulated attacks and joint search and rescue operations, the Chinese defence ministry says


The drills in the Gulf of Oman will include simulated attacks and joint search and rescue operations, the Chinese defence ministry says.
