China and Russia held large-scale naval exercise this week. Is this a dire warning of a new power axis designed to recalibrate the balance of power in Asia? It is hot enough this summer, so spare yourself the hyperventilation.
This exercise, like all the others that the two countries have held before, is no cause for concern. Beijing and Moscow are testing their readiness and sending a signal that the two countries are forces to be reckoned with in Asia.
Forget the puffery that typically accompanies such high-profile military maneuvers and take the spokespeople at their word: This is a routine naval exercise.