China (Washington Insider Magazine)— March 12, 2024 – The navies of China, Iran, and Russia have commenced joint military exercises in the Gulf of Oman, marking their fifth collaboration in recent years. The Maritime Security Belt 2024 drills aim to bolster maritime economic security amid growing regional and global tensions.
Focus on Regional Maritime Security
Russia’s defense ministry stated the exercises, running through March 16, will include warships and aviation and focus on protecting maritime economic activities. Observers from countries such as Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa will attend.
China’s defense ministry emphasized the goal of “jointly maintaining regional maritime security.” Its contributions include the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, guided-missile frigate Linyi, and supply ship Dongpinghu.
Regional Context and Strategic Goals
The drills coincide with heightened tensions in the Middle East, as:
- Israel’s conflict with Gaza persists for a sixth month.
- Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue to target vessels in the Red Sea.
Iranian state media highlighted the exercise’s objective of strengthening international maritime trade security, combating piracy, and addressing maritime terrorism.
The joint drills also signal a deepening partnership between China, Iran, and Russia, with a shared aim to counter Western influence in the region.
Global Implications
The exercises come as NATO conducts its largest military maneuvers in decades, involving 90,000 troops from 13 member nations across Sweden, Finland, and Norway. Dubbed Steadfast Defender 24, these drills aim to demonstrate NATO’s ability to defend its territories and serve as a signal to Russia.
Meanwhile, a U.S.-led naval coalition operates in the Red Sea to counter Houthi threats, underscoring the complexity of the region’s security landscape.
