Peace Mission 2005 involves an unprecedented military exercise between Russia and China, conducted under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This joint initiative took place in August 2005, with both nations deploying thousands of troops to undertake operations primarily focused on counter-terrorism and regional stability. The exercises were held in specific locations across Russia and enabled the two militaries to synchronize their approaches to security challenges, reflecting their growing partnership in an increasingly multipolar world. The exercises included various components such as live-fire drills, tactical maneuvers, and coordinated responses to simulated terrorist threats.

The backdrop to Peace Mission 2005 was shaped by changing geopolitical dynamics, especially following various instances of terrorism in Central Asia and threats perceived from certain non-state actors cultivating instability. As the United States maintained its dominant military presence in the region, both Russia and China saw the necessity to reinforce their strategic ties as a counterbalance. The SCO, originally formed to promote regional cooperation and security, provided an appropriate platform for such joint exercises, thereby expanding its role beyond mere diplomacy into concrete military collaboration.

The discussions prior to the event indicated that the exercise was not just aimed at improving logistics or operational proficiency but also signaled a united front against common threats. It illustrated a willingness from both countries to deepen military cooperation, thus setting a new precedent for future collaborations within the framework of the SCO and beyond. This military partnership also underscored the warming of relations between Russia and China, which have often been viewed through a historical lens of competition and conflict but had recently shifted towards cooperation and mutual respect in the context of global security.