China and Russia will stage their annual joint naval exercise later this month before carrying out coordinated maritime patrols in parts of the Pacific Ocean, China’s Ministry of Defence announced on Sunday.
The exercise, code-named Joint Sea-2026, will be held in the waters and airspace off Qingdao, a key naval base in eastern China.
According to the ministry, naval forces from both countries will participate in the drills before selected units embark on joint patrols in parts of the Pacific. Officials did not disclose the number of ships, aircraft or personnel that will take part.
Beijing said the exercise is aimed at strengthening military cooperation, improving the two countries’ ability to respond to security threats and promoting peace and stability in the region.
“Following the exercise, some forces from both sides will conduct a joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean. This arrangement is aimed at jointly responding to security challenges and safeguarding regional peace and stability,” the ministry said.
The announcement comes just weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China, where he and President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the close ties between their countries.
During the visit, Putin described bilateral relations as stronger than ever, while Xi said the partnership remained firm and enduring.
China and Russia have steadily expanded their military cooperation in recent years through regular joint exercises, a development that has raised concerns in the United States and other Western countries, particularly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Joint Sea naval drills have been held every year since 2012. Last year’s exercise took place near the Russian port city of Vladivostok and was also followed by joint patrols in the Pacific.
Although China has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Beijing maintains that it is neutral in the conflict and continues to call for dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
However, Ukraine’s Western allies, including the United States, have repeatedly accused China of helping Moscow sustain its war effort, claims Beijing has consistently denied.
