China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" Joint Exercise Enters Maritime Drills Phase

Xinhua News Agency, Kaifeng, July 9 (Reporters Li Bingxuan, Li Jie) The port planning phase of the China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise has been successfully completed, and on the 9th, it officially entered the maritime drill phase. The participating vessels from both sides set sail from a military port in Qingdao to the designated maritime area to conduct live-fire exercises.

During the port planning phase, the joint directing department and the joint command organized multiple rounds of command simulations and tactical coordination. Both sides agreed on key operational points, exercise rules, and refined the maritime coordination processes and emergency response plans.

Since the opening on the 6th, the participating military personnel from China and Russia have engaged in various port exchange activities. At the Naval Submarine Academy, representatives and relevant experts from both sides conducted professional exchanges on topics such as submarine rescue technology development, equipment construction, and maritime training. At a military port dock, the Chinese side opened the missile destroyer Kaifeng, while the Russian side opened the missile cruiser Varyag, inviting each other's personnel to board and visit, to understand the daily training and equipment management of the vessels. Both sides also held friendly basketball matches, receptions, and other activities.

According to the plan, the maritime drill phase will take place in the air and sea area near Qingdao, setting up joint reconnaissance, air defense and missile defense, maritime strike, and joint submarine rescue and salvage exercises.