Joint Naval Exercise 'Blue Sword 2025' Scheduled
The navies of China and Saudi Arabia are preparing to hold their joint naval training exercise, codenamed 'Blue Sword 2025,' in Saudi Arabia. The drills are scheduled to take place from mid-to-late October 2025, marking the third iteration of this collaborative series between the two nations' naval forces. The announcement was made by Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director of the Information Bureau of China's Ministry of National Defense and ministry spokesperson, during a press briefing on October 10, 2025.
Objectives and Scope of the Drills
The primary objectives of 'Blue Sword 2025' are to promote the exchange of tactics and techniques between the participating forces and to deepen the friendly relations and practical cooperation between the Chinese and Saudi Arabian militaries. Senior Colonel Jiang Bin stated that the exercise will 'further promote the exchange of tactics and techniques between the participating forces, and deepen the friendly relations and practical cooperation between the two militaries.' These drills are part of China's broader military diplomacy efforts, designed to strengthen operational interoperability and maritime cooperation with foreign partners.
Historical Context of 'Blue Sword' Exercises
The upcoming 'Blue Sword 2025' exercise continues a pattern of increasing defense collaboration between Beijing and Riyadh. This will be the third time the two navies have engaged in this series of joint exercises. Previous 'Blue Sword' drills include:
- Blue Sword-2019: Held at the King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in November 2019. This exercise involved naval special forces and aimed to enhance mutual trust and friendly relations.
- Blue Sword-2023: Conducted in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, China, in October 2023. This training focused on overseas maritime counterterrorism operations, covering subjects such as sniping tactics, boat driving, helicopter landing, and joint rescue.
The consistent staging of these exercises reflects the closer political and economic ties developing between China and Saudi Arabia, with the drills providing a platform for tactical exchange, training in naval combat operations, and maritime coordination.
Deepening Bilateral Military Ties
The 'Blue Sword' series underscores the evolving defense relationship between China and Saudi Arabia. The exercises are seen as a mechanism to enhance the combat readiness of both forces and to foster a deeper understanding and collaboration in maritime security. The ongoing military exchanges highlight a strategic alignment aimed at strengthening capabilities and cooperation in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
5 Comments
KittyKat
Worrisome. These drills only empower authoritarian regimes and destabilize the region.
Katchuka
While military cooperation is often beneficial for skill exchange, this partnership raises questions about long-term geopolitical alignments. It's a complex strategic dance.
Loubianka
Strengthening defense ties can lead to greater stability through shared understanding and tactics. But we must also consider the implications of China's expanding military presence globally, and how this might impact existing security frameworks.
Eugene Alta
Saudi Arabia cozying up to China? This is a dangerous shift away from traditional allies.
Habibi
China's influence growing too fast. This is a clear threat to global balance.