Congressional Report Details Escalating Russia-China Military Cooperation in Asia-Pacific

A June 9, 2026, Congressional Research Service report to Congress examines Russia's expanding military presence in Asia and increasingly coordinated military activities with China, raising significant concerns among U.S. defense officials and lawmakers. The report documents a marked increase in joint Russia-China military exercises and patrols across maritime and air domains, despite Russia's ongoing commitments in Ukraine.

U.S. military leaders have outlined the scope of this cooperation. General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, noted in January 2026 that Russia and China have conducted joint maritime patrols and coordinated long-range bomber operations in recent years. Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, testified in April 2026 that Russia continues to modernize its Eastern Military District and maintain its force posture in the Indo-Pacific region even as the Ukraine war strains Russian resources. According to the Defense Intelligence Agency's 2026 worldwide threat assessment, Russia views China as its primary strategic partner for countering U.S. influence in the region and is expected to deepen military technical cooperation and conduct additional joint exercises in 2026.

Congress has expressed alarm at the proximity and scale of these operations. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers highlighted during a March 2026 hearing that Russian and Chinese bombers and warships have jointly operated near Alaska over the past two years, characterizing the coordination as "a significant demonstration of military cooperation between our two most capable adversaries right off our shores."

The report outlines potential congressional responses, including conducting oversight hearings to assess implications for U.S. defense strategy and national security, evaluating sanctions legislation, requiring executive branch reporting on the military and budgetary impacts of Russia-China exercises, and coordinating responses with allied and partner governments. The findings underscore growing U.S. concern about a deepening Russia-China military partnership and its strategic implications for American interests in the Asia-Pacific region.