China and Russia’s Naval Drills Near Japan Signal Rising Threat to U.S. Pacific Interests

In a clear demonstration of rising authoritarian cooperation, China and Russia have announced plans for their annual Joint Sea 2025 naval exercise near Vladivostok, just across from Japan's western coast. This move signals a dangerous escalation in military coordination that directly challenges American influence and security interests in the Western Pacific. The drill, involving both air and naval assets, marks a continuation of the growing military partnership forged by these two powers amid Moscow's isolation following its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. While European leaders plead with Beijing to rein in Russian aggression, China instead doubles down on supporting an adversary...