July 8, 2026
TOKYO – The Chinese military announced on Monday that the Chinese and Russian navies have started conducting a series joint military exercises called “Joint Sea 2026” off the coast of Qingdao, Shandong Province.
According to the announcement, Russia has dispatched missile cruisers, frigates, submarines and other vessels, while China is participating with crafts such as missile destroyers, frigates and fast combat support vessels.
The two navies will conduct joint reconnaissance and missile interception drills in the sea and airspace near Qingdao, with the theme of “joint response to maritime security threats,” the announcement said.
While the planned duration of the exercises was not specified, it has been reported that some of the participating vessels will move into the Pacific to conduct “joint maritime patrols” afterward, and they are expected to sail near Japan. Both China and Russia have criticized Japan’s defense policy as “new militarism,” and it appears they aim to work together to contain Japan.