crs_reports: R48978

Congressional Research Service reports with summaries, authors, and topic classifications.

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id title publish_date update_date status content_type authors topics summary pdf_url html_url
R48978 Russian Military Activities in Asia: Combined Military Exercises and Patrols 2026-06-09T04:00:00Z 2026-06-13T05:38:19Z Active Reports Andrew S. Bowen East Asia & Pacific, National & Military Intelligence, Europe, Russia & Eurasia Historically, Russia has claimed a role as a major actor in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2012, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a policy by which Russia would seek to emphasize and further develop economic and trade opportunities with Asia, in particular with the People’s Republic of China (PRC, or China). Although Russia’s military focus has been drawn westward since its initial 2014 invasion of Ukraine and has further accelerated since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has pursued military activities aimed at asserting influence in the Asia-Pacific region. With most of its ground forces committed to fighting in Ukraine, Russia has maintained a naval and strategic air presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia’s Pacific Fleet, headquartered in Vladivostok and part of Russia’s sea-based nuclear deterrent force, is Russia’s primary military force in the region and primary tool for power projection. Russia uses the presence of its Pacific Fleet and strategic bomber force to signal its strength to other powers in the region, including the United States. Combined Russia and PRC military exercises and patrols are key components of Russia’s signaling strategy. Since 2014, Russia and the PRC have conducted increased numbers of bilateral and multilateral military exercises and combined naval and air patrols, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. These activities also are increasingly conducted near contested areas (such as near Taiwan) or close to the United States, such as off the coast of Alaska. These exercises and patrols have become more complex, involving greater coordination and communication as well as more high-end military equipment and sensitive activities. Despite this cooperation, the Russian and PRC militaries are not interoperable; based on open-source information, it is not clear whether the two governments seek such a high level of military integration. U.S. officials and some Members of Congress have expressed concerns about Russia’s military activities in the Asia-Pacific region and Russia’s military relationship with the PRC. Members of the 119th Congress may continue to assess the implications of increased Russian military activities and Russia-PRC military cooperation for U.S. interests and consider whether to pursue legislative or other options to address potential concerns. Some in Congress also may seek to shape or monitor U.S. responses through oversight of executive branch policies, reporting requirements, or other measures. https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/PDF/R48978/R48978.2.pdf https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/HTML/R48978.html

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