China and Russia Kick Off Joint Naval Drills in Yellow Sea

Beijing and Moscow announced on Sunday (July 5, 2026) that they will hold their annual joint naval exercises off China’s coast, with Russia stating the drills will begin on Monday (July 6, 2026). The exercises, dubbed 'Joint Sea-2026,' will take place in waters and airspace near Qingdao, a major military port and seaside resort in eastern China, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of National Defence.

The two countries have close economic and diplomatic ties, strengthened by shared opposition to a global order they view as dominated by the United States. The Chinese and Russian militaries have conducted regular joint exercises in recent years, a partnership that Western and some other governments view with suspicion as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.

The Chinese defence ministry statement said that following the exercises, some forces from both sides will conduct a joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean, without specifying locations. 'This arrangement is aimed at jointly responding to security challenges and safeguarding regional peace and stability,' the statement read.

China’s Northern Theater Command said two destroyers, a frigate, a submarine, a supply ship, and a rescue vessel will participate. All participating forces had already arrived in Qingdao. The manoeuvres will cover reconnaissance, air and missile defence, and surface strikes.

The Russian Pacific Fleet said the exercises will run from July 6 to 13 in the Yellow Sea, the body of water separating China from the Korean peninsula. The Russian statement, carried by news agencies, indicated the drills will also include joint rescue operations, anti-submarine warfare, air defence missions, and artillery exercises. One Russian cruiser, a corvette, a diesel submarine, and a rescue vessel had arrived in Qingdao ahead of the war games.

Speaking at a ceremony in Qingdao, Russian Rear Admiral Sergei Sinko said that 'Joint Sea-2026' is aimed at 'strengthening the strategic partnership between our countries' and ensuring 'peace and stability' in the region, according to TASS news agency.

The drills come about two months after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China. Putin then said relations had reached an 'unprecedentedly high level,' while Chinese leader Xi Jinping hailed an 'unyielding' partnership. Beijing and Moscow have held the 'Joint Sea' exercises since 2012, with last year’s edition near Russia’s eastern 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 and regularly calls for peace talks. Many of Ukraine’s Western allies, including the United States, believe that Beijing has provided support to Moscow’s war effort, though China denies this.