China-Russia Joint Military Exercise "Maritime Joint-2026" to Be Held, Troops from Both Sides Have Gathered

Xinhua News Agency, Qingdao, July 5 (Reporters Li Bingxuan, Li Jie) According to the annual military cooperation plan, the armed forces of China and Russia will conduct the "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise in Qingdao, China, and the surrounding sea and airspace. The Russian naval task force arrived at a military port in Qingdao on the 5th, and both sides have completed the assembly of their participating forces.

This exercise focuses on "jointly responding to maritime security threats" and aims to work together to address security challenges and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

The Russian participating forces consist of the missile cruiser "Varyag," the frigate "Severomorsk," the submarine "Ufa," and the rescue ship "Igor Belousov." The Chinese participating forces are primarily composed of the Northern Theater Command Navy, including the missile destroyers Kaifeng and Anshan, the missile frigate Wuhu, the comprehensive supply ship Kekexili Lake, the submarine rescue ship Yangcheng Lake, and one submarine. In addition, both China and Russia will also deploy shipborne helicopters and marines to participate in the exercise.

The exercise is divided into three phases: force assembly, port planning, and maritime drills. During the port phase, both sides will conduct joint planning, professional discussions, organize ship tours, and hold activities such as a basketball friendly match and a reception. In the maritime phase, both sides will carry out multiple drills, including joint reconnaissance, air defense and missile defense, and maritime strike exercises.

After the joint exercise concludes, some of the forces from both sides will also organize a joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean.