Yet because of souring of relations between Russia and the West over the Ukraine crisis and China's disputes with some neighbors in the East and South China seas, Beijing and Moscow may feel the practical need deepen cooperation at the strategic level. Even if this were true, it is safe to assume they have done so to better defend their interests in the region and consolidate each other's position as an interlocutor of Washington.

The "rebalancing to Asia" strategy of the US has compelled China and Russia to believe they should jointly stand up to the mounting pressure from Washington and its allies in the region. In fact, joint military exercises have been on the rise worldwide, reflecting the dynamics of military diplomacy. Still, the timings and locations of the military exercises have more often than not betrayed the real intentions of those who stage them.

For example, the scope of the military exercises between the US and the Philippines have widened with each passing year, got closer to disputed waters in the South China Sea, and included such missions as joint landing and island seizure, which make the statements of Washington and Manila of not targeting a third country unconvincing.

Also, Japan and the Philippines conducted joint military exercises in May and June near the disputed waters in the South China Sea. And in June, Japanese military aircraft twice flew near the disputed Liyue Tan, also known as the Reed Bank, during the military drills with the Philippines. The move indicated Manila's efforts to enlist Tokyo's support in its disputes with Beijing, as well as Japan's interference in the South China Sea issue.

But unlike many other war games held in the Asia-Pacific, the China-Russia Joint Sea series of exercises focus on emergency response, not on simulating an attack on a third party.

In normal circumstances, Beijing and Moscow would have held naval exercises once a year. The reason this year's drill has been divided into two phases might be related to the 70th anniversary of the end of the war against fascism. The China-Russia drills show the two countries' strengths and resolution to defend the victory against fascism and, hence, it would be preposterous to point the finger at either of the country.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily [email protected]