PLA Navy 70th Anniversary: Cooperation flourishes as Russia develops military contacts
Updated 13:10, 24-Apr-2019
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The participation of Russia comes after two of its naval ships concluded joint maneuvers with the PLA Navy. CGTN's Aljosa Milenkovic researched about the links between the two navies, and the current status and power of the Russian navy.
A show of might of Russia's resurgent navy. Two Russian destroyers entering Manila port in the Philippines, just days before they join their Chinese colleagues at the major naval exercises.
Just years ago, Russian leaders acknowledged the need to modernize its military arsenal, In 2012 Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the government plan to spend over 770 billion USD on the massive military rearmament program. Its aim is to protect and deter any possible threats coming from abroad, mostly from the world's largest navy - the US.
As President Vladimir Putin said that was the reason behind Russia's development of new, state of the art weapons. Systems in question are new hypersonic missile Kinzhal, Kalibr cruise missile, Poseidon underwater drone and several new types of submarines.
ALJOSA MILENKOVIC ADRIATIC SEA, CROATIA "Even back in Soviet times, the submarine fleet was regarded as the most important part of their NAVY. Today, Russia continues that tradition, which is based on the unique tasks country's naval forces have to fulfill. In the first place, it is strategic nuclear deterrence."
Here is Russia's latest nuclear attack submarine Severodvinsk, going under sea surface before test firing Kalibr cruise missile. According to analysts, the Russian navy is focused on flexing its muscles because of new challenges that faces. One of which is the need to control and protect so-called North Sea Route, that opened in the Arctic due to global warming.
JAN IVANJEK MILITARY ANALYST "It will make the Strait of Malacca and Suez Canal less relevant and less important and because naturally all economic shipping is focused on cost reduction, it gives the ability for Russia to exert great influence on the global sea trade."
In the face of rising global threats, Russia is keen on closing the ranks with China's PLA and its Navy.
As analysts are saying that partnership is destined to withstand decades to come.
COLONEL IGOR KOROTCHENKO (RET.) HEAD OF CENTER FOR ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL WEAPONS TRADE, MOSCOW "Our military contacts are developing successfully and dynamically. Between the two defense ministers are good relations just as between the presidents of our countries. In that aspect, I think that in area of joint missions, where the Russian Army and the Chinese PLA can complement each other, our mutual collaboration has a great future."
Russian Navy participation in Qingdao naval parade is one more example of that collaboration. Aljosa Milenkovic, CGTN.