Russia and China Conduct Joint Anti-Submarine Drills After Trump Deploys U.S. Nuclear Subs Near Region

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Russia and China conducted joint anti-submarine warfare drills Wednesday in the Sea of Japan, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to reposition near Russian waters following incendiary remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

According to Russia’s defense ministry, the exercises involved Il-38 maritime patrol aircraft from Russia’s Pacific Fleet and Chinese Y-8 anti-submarine planes, alongside helicopters and naval vessels from both countries. The goal: detect and simulate the destruction of an “enemy” submarine.

“As a result of effective joint actions, the ‘enemy’ submarine was promptly detected and mock-destroyed,” the ministry announced. “After practicing anti-submarine tasks, the crews of the Russian and Chinese ships thanked each other for their fruitful work.”

The drills come amid rising global tensions, with Trump confirming Sunday that U.S. nuclear submarines were now “in the region” as part of a strategic deterrent against what he labeled “highly provocative statements” by Medvedev, now Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council.

In a Truth Social post last Friday, Trump wrote:

“Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev… I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”

He added:

“Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”

Medvedev had earlier warned that Trump’s ultimatum for Russia to cease its war in Ukraine or face severe U.S. sanctions by August 8 was a “step towards war.”

The Kremlin responded cautiously to the submarine deployment, noting U.S. nuclear submarines are “constantly on combat duty” and warning that “everyone should be very, very careful with nuclear rhetoric.”

Meanwhile, White House envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing for a high-stakes visit to Moscow, just two days ahead of Trump’s ceasefire deadline, aimed at negotiating a resolution to the nearly four-year-long war in Ukraine.

The joint naval drills are part of broader Russian-Chinese military exercises held this past week, reflecting deepening military cooperation between the two nations. In 2022, Moscow and Beijing signed a “no-limits” strategic partnership, which has translated into frequent joint operations across land, air, and sea.

Analysts view the coordinated display as a direct signal to Washington and its allies amid escalating global flashpoints.

The White House and State Department declined to comment on the Russian-Chinese drills when contacted Wednesday.

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