The waters of the Sea of Japan have become the stage for growing international unease as Russia and China launched joint naval exercises this week. The “Joint Sea-2025” drills, held near Vladivostok, Russia’s largest Pacific port, feature four Chinese vessels, including two guided-missile destroyers, operating alongside Russian ships in three days of mock combat.
The exercises include submarine rescue, anti-submarine and anti-missile operations, air defence, and coordinated maritime patrols. Though both nations claim the drills target no specific country, they unfold against a backdrop of global tension. Japan has voiced concern, citing the deepening military alignment between Moscow and Beijing as a potential threat to regional security.
The timing is striking: the drills began just one day after U.S. nuclear submarines reportedly shifted closer to Russian waters, following comments by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev that stirred fears of possible escalation. While public discussion of nuclear submarine movements is rare, these developments have drawn international attention to the growing risks in the region.
Russia and China have strengthened their strategic partnership over the past decade, holding regular joint exercises and military exchanges. Since signing a “no-limits” agreement in 2022, their cooperation has grown more coordinated, with leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping meeting over 40 times. Their partnership signals a clear intent to project influence across the Pacific.
Beneath the movements of warships and the rhetoric of governments lies a quieter reality - millions of people live in the shadow of these exercises. Each manoeuvre and show of force carries human weight, from families in Japan and Russia to communities throughout the Pacific who long for stability and peace.
Amid the uncertainty, Scripture reminds us that God reigns over the nations and the seas. While the world watches the surface of conflict, believers are called to pray for restraint, for protection, and for peace that only He can bring.
Prayer Pointers
- Pray: for restraint and wisdom among world leaders, that their decisions would pursue peace rather than conflict.
- Pray: and ask God to protect those living in regions shadowed by military tension and grant them His unshakable peace.
- Pray: that God’s sovereignty calms global fears and prevents any escalation that could cost innocent lives.
Prayer – Peace at Sea
Father, in a world of rising tension, guide leaders toward restraint and peace. Protect those living in uncertainty, calm anxious hearts, and let Your peace reign over the seas and the nations. Amen.
“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” Psalm 107:29
More: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/03/russia-and-china-war-games-sea-of-japan-trump-nuclear/