China and Russia to Conduct Joint Naval Exercises Near Qingdao

China will conduct joint military exercises with Russia this month near Qingdao in Shandong province. Following the exercises, the two nations plan to engage in joint patrols in the Pacific.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Chinese Ministry of Defense announced on its official WeChat account that the Chinese and Russian navies will hold the "Maritime Joint-2026" exercises in the waters and airspace near Qingdao this month.

After the exercises conclude, some military forces from both countries will move to the Pacific region to carry out joint patrol missions. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated, "This training and joint patrol are part of the annual cooperation plan between the two militaries," adding that the activities aim to respond jointly to security challenges and to safeguard regional peace and stability.

According to the state-run China News Service, a fleet of Russian naval vessels participating in the exercises arrived at Qingdao port on the same day, where they were welcomed by Chinese officials at the dock.

The Russian contingent reportedly includes the 11,000-ton missile cruiser Varyag, the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, along with escort ships, submarines, and rescue vessels. China is expected to deploy destroyers Kaifeng and Anshan, as well as escort ships, supply vessels, and submarines.

In recent years, China and Russia have been strengthening military cooperation through regular joint exercises and patrols at sea and in the air.

The exercises have focused on enhancing capabilities for various joint operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and maritime search and rescue. After the exercises, the two nations have conducted joint patrols. On June 27, military aircraft from both countries, participating in a joint air exercise, entered South Korea's Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ), prompting a military response.