China to hold joint naval exercises with Iran and Russia
China is set to hold joint naval exercises with Iran and Russia in the coming weeks, amidst tensions in the Middle East. The drills are planned to take place before the end of March and are aimed at “regional security,” according to Iranian and Russian media. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, stated that the exercises, which were first reported in December, are intended to be “war games” and other countries have also been invited to participate.
The three countries previously conducted trilateral exercises in the Gulf of Oman last year and have been strengthening their relations as an axis in opposition to the West. The exercises involve artillery firing practice against naval targets, joint tactical maneuvers, and high seas search and rescue missions.
China has not formally condemned the Houthi rebels but has reportedly asked Iran to help stop attacks on ships in the Red Sea carried out by the group. The ongoing joint military exercises are seen as a display of the trio’s military power in the Indian Ocean, with a combined population of 1.5 billion inhabitants and 29 million square kilometers of land. The new Axis also has significant economic and military power, capable of counterbalancing NATO in areas of dispute.
The Sino-Russian-Iranian Triple Alliance was initially strengthened by their collaboration in the Syrian civil war to prevent Western powers from overthrowing the Assad regime, establishing a base of military operations. Iran also provides military assistance to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, raising concerns about the potential collaboration of the Chinese regime.
The upcoming naval exercises hold geopolitical significance, demonstrating the increasing military prowess of the China-Iran-Russia axis, particularly at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.