China and Russia to Hold Joint Naval Exercises and Pacific Patrols

The Chinese and Russian navies are scheduled to conduct joint military exercises off the coast of Qingdao, China, followed by maritime patrols in the Pacific Ocean.

Key points

• The drills, titled 'Joint Sea-2026', are set to take place from July 6 to July 13.
• Russian naval assets participating include a cruiser, a corvette, a diesel-electric submarine, and a rescue vessel.
• The exercises are described as an annual cooperation plan intended to address regional security challenges.
• The Chinese Ministry of National Defence stated the maneuvers aim to maintain regional peace and stability.

Why it matters

The joint exercises underscore the deepening military cooperation between China and Russia, signaling a strategic alignment in the Pacific region.