China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" Joint Exercise Troop Assembly Completed

On July 5, the Russian Navy fleet participating in the China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise arrived at a military port in Qingdao, Shandong, successfully meeting with the Chinese participating forces. The Chinese side held a welcome ceremony for the Russian side at the dock.

At around 10 a.m., after the Russian Navy's "Varyag" missile cruiser docked, the commander of the Russian fleet and the captains of the ships disembarked. During the welcome ceremony, the chief directors of the joint exercise from both China and Russia delivered speeches.

In this exercise, the Russian participating forces consisted of the "Varyag" missile cruiser, the "Marseille" frigate, the "Ufa" large submarine, and the "Igor Belousov" rescue ship, while the Chinese participating forces mainly included the missile destroyer Kaifeng, the Anshan, the missile frigate Wuhu, the comprehensive supply ship Kekexili Lake, the rescue submarine support ship Yangcheng Lake, and one submarine. Additionally, both sides also dispatched shipborne helicopters and marines to participate in the exercise.

The exercise focused on the theme of "Joint Response to Maritime Security Threats," distinguishing three phases: force assembly, port planning, and maritime drills. It aims to demonstrate both sides' determination and capability to strengthen joint responses to maritime security threats and maintain international and regional peace and stability, further deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Russia in the new era.

During the port phase, both sides will conduct courtesy meetings, joint planning, professional discussions, and exchanges, as well as organize mutual visits to each other's ships, basketball friendship matches, receptions, and other exchange activities. At sea, both sides will carry out joint reconnaissance, air defense and missile defense, and various other exercise subjects.