China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" Joint Exercise Opens

On the morning of July 6, the China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise opened at a military port in Qingdao, Shandong.

“I announce that the China-Russia ‘Maritime Joint-2026’ joint exercise has begun!” At around 9 o'clock, with a command from the Chinese chief director, the joint exercise officially commenced. This exercise established a joint directing department and a joint command, with a mixed formation of the navies of China and Russia. The Chinese chief director stated that the navies of China and Russia, as an important component of the bilateral military relationship, have increasingly frequent interactions, more diverse forms of communication, and continuously expanding areas of cooperation. As an important joint exercise mechanism for the two navies, “Maritime Joint” has become an important platform for consolidating and developing the bilateral military relationship, enhancing strategic mutual trust, and improving joint operational capabilities after more than ten years of practice, thereby enhancing the practical cooperation level of the two navies and their ability to jointly respond to maritime threats. The Russian chief director stated, “Maritime Joint” exercises have become an effective platform for enhancing operational coordination capabilities, exchanging professional experiences, and strengthening coordination in maritime formation operations, and this exercise will promote mutual trust among the military personnel of both countries and enhance their ability to jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

After the opening ceremony, the navies of both countries jointly carried out command simulations and tactical coordination, with the joint command conducting in-depth discussions on key exercises during the maritime drill phase and finalizing coordination points. Subsequently, the participating forces from both sides will organize joint reconnaissance and early warning, air defense, missile defense, and other exercises in the maritime airspace near Qingdao, and conduct live weapon training.

Previously, the Russian participating fleet arrived at a military port in Qingdao on July 5, and the participating forces from both sides completed their assembly. During the port phase, professional discussions, exchanges, and ship tours will be conducted. After the joint exercise concludes, some of the forces from both sides will head to relevant maritime areas in the Pacific for joint maritime patrols.