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

On the morning of July 6, the opening ceremony of the China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise was held 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 relations, have increasingly frequent interactions, more diverse forms of communication, and continuously expanding areas of cooperation. The "Maritime Joint" exercise, as an important joint exercise mechanism for the two navies, 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 that the "Maritime Joint" exercise has become an effective platform for enhancing combat coordination capabilities, exchanging professional experiences, and strengthening coordination in maritime formation operations. 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 conducted command simulations and tactical coordination, with the joint command engaging in in-depth discussions on key exercise subjects during the maritime drill phase, finalizing coordination points. Subsequently, the participating forces from both sides will organize joint reconnaissance and early warning, air defense and missile defense exercises, and conduct live weapon training in the maritime and aerial areas near Qingdao.

Previously, the Russian naval formation participating in the exercise 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 conduct joint maritime patrols in relevant areas of the Pacific.

Authors: Shi Shuang, Du Yujie, Miao Jing, Sun Chao, Wang Guanjun, Wang Jing

Images: Feng Zhibin, Wang Zezhou, Li Fengxiang, Wang Yuanfang, Ren Zijun, Li Siyuan