China and Russia are conducting their annual Joint Sea-2026 naval exercise this month in waters and airspace near the major port of Qingdao in eastern China’s Shandong Province. China’s Ministry of National Defense announced on July 5, 2026, that the drills — themed “joint response to maritime security threats” — will unfold in three phases: force assembly, port planning and coordination, and at-sea operations. Following the exercise, selected forces from both sides will carry out a joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean.
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In the most recent development, Russian naval vessels have arrived in Qingdao and all participating units are now fully assembled. The Russian contingent includes the guided-missile cruiser Varyag, frigate Surovy, large submarine Ufa, and rescue ship Igor Belousov, according to CGTN and official Chinese defense sources.
This year’s drills follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to China, during which both leaders described the bilateral relationship as having reached an “unprecedentedly high level.” Beijing states the activities aim to “jointly respond to security challenges and safeguard regional peace and stability.” The two countries have held Joint Sea exercises since 2012; last year’s edition took place near Vladivostok and was also followed by Pacific patrols.
For context on China’s broader military modernization efforts that support such joint operations, see Xi Vows to Bolster China’s Military and Stamp Out Corruption on CCP 105th Anniversary.
These regular, increasingly sophisticated exercises enhance naval interoperability and demonstrate a deepening strategic military partnership between Moscow and Beijing. While officially framed as defensive and stability-oriented, the drills take place against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine — where China claims neutrality — and heightened maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Western governments view the growing coordination with concern, seeing it as a challenge to the U.S.-led security order in key sea lanes.
China maintains that strengthening its armed forces contributes to world peace. For its perspective, read China Says Growing Its Military Helps World Peace Amid Lowy Institute Australia Report.
The 2026 drills underscore how military ties between the two powers continue to expand in scope and visibility, with direct implications for regional power dynamics and global maritime security.
AFP reports: China and Russia will hold their annual joint naval exercises this month and conduct patrols in unspecified areas of the Pacific Ocean, Beijing’s defence ministry said on Sunday.
Moscow and Beijing share close economic and diplomatic ties, with their relations strengthened by shared opposition to a global order dominated by Washington.
The Chinese and Russian militaries have held regular joint exercises in recent years, a partnership that Western and some other governments view with suspicion as Moscow’s war on Ukraine grinds on.
The naval forces of both countries will take part in the “Joint Sea-2026” exercise in “waters and airspace” off Qingdao, a major military port and seaside resort in China’s east, a defence ministry statement said.
“Following the exercise, some forces from both sides will conduct a joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean,” the statement said.
“This arrangement is… aimed at jointly responding to security challenges and safeguarding regional peace and stability.”
The statement did not provide details about the scale of the mobilisation.
The drills come about two months after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin visited China.
Putin said at the time relations had reached an “unprecedentedly high level”, while Chinese leader Xi Jinping hailed an “unyielding” partnership.
Beijing and Moscow have held their “Joint Sea” exercises since 2012, with last year’s edition near the eastern Russian port of Vladivostok also followed by joint patrols in the Pacific.
China has never denounced Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine but Beijing insists it is a neutral party, regularly calling for peace talks.
Many of Ukraine’s Western allies, including the United States, believe that Beijing has provided support to Moscow’s war effort.