Joint Sea 2026: Naval Exercises Strengthen Military Cooperation Between China and Russia

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China and Russia are preparing to launch their annual joint naval exercise, “Joint Sea 2026,” off China’s eastern coast as part of the ongoing military cooperation between the two countries.

The exercises will include air defense drills, anti-submarine warfare operations, and strikes against surface targets, followed by joint naval patrols in the Pacific Ocean.

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China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that the naval forces of both countries will participate in the “Joint Sea 2026” exercises in the waters and airspace off Qingdao, China’s principal military port on the eastern coast. The drills will subsequently be followed by joint naval patrols in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean.

The ministry stated that the arrangement is intended to “jointly respond to security challenges” and to “safeguard regional peace and stability.”

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The Northern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army explained that the exercises will involve two destroyers, one frigate, one submarine, one supply vessel, and one rescue ship, confirming that all participating vessels have already arrived at the Port of Qingdao.

It added that the drills will include reconnaissance missions, air and missile defense operations, and strikes against surface targets.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Pacific Fleet announced that the exercises will take place from 6 to 13 July in the Yellow Sea, located between China and the Korean Peninsula.

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The fleet stated that the drills will also include joint search-and-rescue operations, anti-submarine warfare missions, air defense exercises, and live artillery training. It further confirmed that a Russian cruiser, a frigate, a diesel-electric submarine, and a rescue vessel had arrived at Qingdao ahead of the exercises.

Speaking during a ceremony held in Qingdao, Russian Admiral Sergei Sinko stated that the “Joint Sea 2026” exercises are intended to “strengthen the strategic partnership between our two countries” and ensure “peace and stability” throughout the region.

The exercises come approximately two months after Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s visit to China, during which he stated that bilateral relations had reached “an unprecedented level.” Chinese President Xi Jinping, for his part, praised the “solid” partnership between Beijing and Moscow.

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China and Russia have conducted the “Joint Sea” exercises on a regular basis since 2012. Last year’s edition, held near the Russian port of Vladivostok, was followed by joint naval patrols in the Pacific Ocean.

Although China has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since 2022, it continues to maintain that it remains neutral and supports peace negotiations. However, several of Ukraine’s Western allies, led by the United States, argue that Beijing has provided support for Russia’s war effort.

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