China, along with Russia and Iran, is conducting joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean. “Security Belt 2025” is taking place near the Iranian port of Chabahar and aims to deepen “military trust and pragmatic cooperation”.
Representatives from Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka are attending the exercises as observers.
The program includes simulated attacks on maritime targets, search, and rescue, as well as arrest missions. According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the country will send a destroyer and a supply ship, which is a demonstration of increased military capabilities from Beijing. Apart from this, all three countries will present their own warships for the exercises.
Notably, the Iranian army conducted similar operations in February as well, with the goal of “increasing defense capabilities to counter any kind of threat”. As for China, the country organized exercises in the Tasman Sea, near Australia last month.
The exercises in the “Security Belt” for China are of special interest since said country is trying to demonstrate its maritime capabilities, especially the aquatic fighting force.
The inclusion of these three countries, from the side of China, is a sign that it is trying to counter the U.S. influence globally, especially at a time when the United States is voicing warnings about the possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities by Israel.
