The China-Russia "Exercise Joint Sea-2024" concluded on Wednesday in waters near Zhanjiang City of south China's Guangdong Province.
The six-day exercise, focusing on "joint response to maritime security threats," saw the participation of seven vessels from both countries.
The event began with port planning activities, including on-map military simulation and ship tours.
When the exercise moved to the sea phase from Monday, live drills were carried out on joint reconnaissance and early warning, search and rescue, air defense and missile defense.
"In the drill, Chinese and Russian fleets successively carried out several combat-based exercises, such as joint reconnaissance and early warning as well as actual use of weapons, in a mixed formation with alternative command. Under the efficient commanding from both command posts and close cooperation between fleets, we've overcome the impacts of poor weather and showcased strong military accomplishment of two navies, with the drill achieving expected training goals," said Xu Wenke, an officer of the Chinese fleet.
During the sea phase, the fleets also organized joint anti-submarine and anchorage defense exercises, fully testing the tactical command coordination and joint operation capabilities of the two sides.
"The fleet has overcome several adverse factors, such as rough sea and complex sea condition, to coordinate and cooperation with the Russian fleet. We then located the targets in water quickly and completed the rescue mission right away," said Chen Qian, an officer of the Chinese fleet.
After the conclusion of all the scheduled exercises, the fleets held a fleet separation ceremony.
"This military drill has strengthened military exchanges, cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the navies of China and Russia. With careful organization, thorough implementation and close coordination, officers and soldiers of the two countries successfully completed all the scheduled exercises, which has promoted the standardization and systematization of bilateral practical cooperation," said Zheng Hesheng, commander of the Chinese fleet.
Since its inception in 2012, the "Joint Sea" series has become a major platform for cooperation between the two navies, enhancing their ability to jointly address security threats and challenges.
China-Russia joint maritime exercise concludes
As the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's tariff policies fuels inflationary fears in the United States, a number of consumers have resorted to panic buying amid growing concerns that costs could shoot up.
With price hikes expected on goods such as automobiles, beauty products, and even on everyday food items, many residents say they have been rushing out to stock up before prices climb even further.
In recent street interviews with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), New York residents shared how the impact of the ongoing tariff war is affecting their daily lives.
"Actually, I already have. I've already started stocking up. My mother has a whole stockpile, and she's panicking. But I told her we're going to be okay, as we live in New York City," said Amelia Guilford, a retail worker who was visiting her mother in the city.
With many anticipating a rise in inflation, many Americans are concerned about the long-term financial impact, and say they are now being more prudent with their money.
"I think we have to [spend more carefully]. Because otherwise you're going to be in real trouble economically or in debt, because if you spend more than what you get, that's going to be a lot of trouble," said Jose Pena, a janitor.
The tariffs, which directly affect the price of imported goods, have led to predictions of significant price increases, particularly on goods coming from China, which has been the biggest target of the tariffs.
"[Products] from China are going to be more expensive. I cannot exactly name what kind of products one by one, but every one that comes from China is going to be more expensive, without a doubt," said Pena.
Public frustration is evident, with some questioning the logic behind U.S. President Donald Trump's risky and unpredictable pursuit of tariffs on other countries, as the debate over the long-term consequences of the policy intensifies.
"I think he's just making enemies, and I trust him not. And I think he's making a mess of everything. I think it's all going to come around and flip back. The changes he's doing are completely unsustainable," said Lois Adams, a nurse, as she expressed her disapproval of Trump's approach.
Ordinary Americans are facing up to the harsh reality of rising prices and remain anxious about the future economic impact of the continuing trade war.
Jerome Wilkins, a security worker, voiced concerns about the broader societal implications of the tariffs, warning it will again be the poorest people who suffer the most.
"I think that the tariffs are horrible. I think that it's like privatizing America, and instead of America being a country for the people, it's a corporation for the rich. And it's just for them to get richer, while the poor get poorer. And that's basically how I feel," said Wilkins.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government announced it would raise tariffs on all imported U.S. goods from 34 percent to 84 percent, effective Wednesday, in response to the U.S. decision to escalate its "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese products, further adding to the economic strain.
Tariff war triggers panic buying in US, raising public concerns over rising costs
