Rising Tensions in the Sea of Japan: Russia and China Drill While the U.S. Deploys Nuclear Submarines
In a striking demonstration of military muscle, Russia and China are currently holding joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan—right off the coast of Vladivostok—amid escalating tensions with the United States. The two countries’ navies are working side-by-side in what’s known as the "Maritime Interaction-2025" drills, a series of coordinated artillery, anti-submarine, air defense, and search-and-rescue operations that are set to wrap up this Tuesday.
But what makes these drills particularly noteworthy is the backdrop against which they’re taking place: U.S. President Donald Trump just announced the deployment of American nuclear submarines in response to provocative nuclear threats from Dmitry Medvedev, a key Russian political figure and Putin ally. Let’s dive into what’s really going on, why it matters, and what experts are saying.
What’s Happening Out There?
The Russian and Chinese navies have brought a sizable fleet for these exercises. According to official reports from both sides, the drills feature:
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A joint task force of warships, including a large Russian anti-submarine ship and two Chinese guided-missile destroyers—the Shaoxing and the Urumqi.
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Diesel-electric submarines from both countries practicing stealth and detection tactics.
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A Chinese submarine rescue ship, highlighting the focus on underwater operations and safety.
These drills focus on coordinated artillery fire, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), joint air defense maneuvers, and coordinated search and rescue missions. It’s a comprehensive test of both nations’ naval capabilities—and their ability to operate seamlessly together.
The Political and Military Backdrop
What’s important to understand is that these exercises were planned well before Trump’s announcement last Friday. Still, the timing feels particularly charged.
In recent years, especially since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the bond between Moscow and Beijing has only gotten stronger. The two countries signed a “no limits” strategic partnership, signaling an intent to deepen military and economic cooperation. Even though China claims neutrality in the Ukraine war, it’s clear that their ties with Russia are robust—and that includes joint military drills.
For years, Russia and China have held annual naval exercises. But this time around, the drills come amid heightened rhetoric and nuclear saber-rattling that’s raising eyebrows in Washington and around the world.
Trump’s Submarine Announcement: What’s the Deal?
On Friday, President Trump publicly declared that he had ordered U.S. nuclear submarines into “position” in response to “highly provocative” statements from Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev, who served as Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012 and now sits as deputy chairman of Russia’s Federation Council, referenced a Cold War-era retaliatory nuclear system called “Dead Hand” in a veiled nuclear threat.
Trump slammed Medvedev’s comments as “foolish and inflammatory,” though he didn’t specify whether these submarines are nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed, and he certainly didn’t disclose their exact locations—which is standard, given the secretive nature of submarine operations.
Retired U.S. Vice Admiral Robert Murrett weighed in, telling Newsweek that the deployment likely reflects a subtle shift in U.S. nuclear posture but one that is still cautious and measured, not a major escalation reminiscent of Cold War brinkmanship.
Expert Insights: Cool Heads Amid Rising Heat
Vice Admiral Murrett, now deputy director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law, emphasized the importance of careful calibration when it comes to nuclear posturing.
“Any shift in nuclear posture should act as a deterrent and not a prelude to unchecked increased tensions,” Murrett said.
This is crucial because while rhetoric can get heated, a full-scale nuclear showdown would be catastrophic. Murrett also noted that what we’re seeing now is a far cry from the intense and continuous nuclear standoff that defined the Cold War era.
Similarly, Pavel Podvig, a leading expert on Russian strategic nuclear weapons, downplayed the immediate threat. Speaking to Russian media outlet RBC, Podvig said the U.S. submarine repositioning is more symbolic than a sign of serious new threats.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
Let’s zoom out for a moment. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow and Beijing already had a strong partnership, but the conflict and ensuing Western sanctions have pushed them closer than ever. China’s reluctance to condemn Russia outright—while bolstering military cooperation—sends a message that challenges the existing global order led by the U.S. and its allies.
For the U.S., deploying nuclear submarines is both a show of strength and a warning: America is watching, and it is ready to respond to any nuclear provocations.
Meanwhile, the ongoing joint drills between Russia and China aren’t just military training—they’re a clear statement of unity and strategic alignment. This cooperation enhances their ability to project power in the Asia-Pacific region, which is a growing concern for countries like Japan and South Korea, as well as the U.S.
Regional Reactions: Japan and Beyond
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has voiced serious concerns over the drills and the broader China-Russia military collaboration. Given the Sea of Japan’s strategic importance and proximity to Japan’s own territorial waters, the exercises are seen as a potential threat to regional stability.
Japan is closely monitoring the situation, worried about any moves that could escalate tensions or undermine peace in the region. The Ministry has warned that closer military ties between Beijing and Moscow could complicate security dynamics, not just locally but globally.
What’s Next?
The drills are scheduled to end this Tuesday, but the diplomatic and military reverberations are just getting started.
Interestingly, since Medvedev’s nuclear threat, he hasn’t posted on social media, and Russian media coverage of the spat with Trump has cooled off. This could indicate a temporary truce in the online war of words—but it’s anyone’s guess how long that calm will last.
As for the U.S., the situation demands vigilance and a balanced approach—one that deters aggression without provoking unnecessary escalation.
Quick Recap: The Takeaways
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Russia and China are conducting joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, testing artillery, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and rescue operations.
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The exercises highlight deepening military cooperation amid global tensions.
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President Trump responded to a nuclear threat from Dmitry Medvedev by deploying U.S. nuclear submarines, signaling readiness but careful calibration.
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Experts stress that while the posture is a deterrent, it’s not Cold War-level escalation—yet.
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Japan and other regional players view these moves with concern, signaling potential shifts in Asia-Pacific security.
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The situation remains fluid, with ongoing political and military developments likely in the coming weeks.
Final Thoughts
In today’s fast-changing geopolitical landscape, military drills like “Maritime Interaction-2025” are more than just exercises—they’re signals, statements, and sometimes warnings. The U.S., Russia, and China are all navigating a delicate dance of power projection and deterrence, with high stakes for global peace and stability.
Keep an eye on this space because the military moves, diplomatic exchanges, and public statements over the next few weeks could shape international relations for years to come.
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