Video: China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" Joint Exercise Opens, Will Conduct Live Weapon Training

The China-Russia "Maritime Joint-2026" joint exercise opened on the 6th at a military port in Qingdao.

This exercise established a joint command, with a mixed formation of the navies of China and Russia. At the opening ceremony, the Chinese chief director of the exercise stated that "Maritime Joint" has become an important platform for consolidating and developing the relationship between the two countries' militaries, enhancing strategic mutual trust, and improving joint operational capabilities after more than 10 years of practice. It has elevated the level of practical cooperation between 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 operational coordination capabilities, exchanging professional experiences, and strengthening coordination in maritime formation operations. This exercise will promote mutual trust between the military personnel of the two countries and enhance their ability to jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

The exercise will be conducted in three phases: force assembly, port planning, and maritime drills. The participating forces from both sides completed their assembly on the 5th. After the opening ceremony, the two navies jointly carried out command simulations and tactical coordination, with the joint command conducting in-depth discussions on key training subjects for the maritime drill phase. Next, the participating vessels will organize joint reconnaissance, air defense, missile defense, and other training exercises in the sea and airspace near Qingdao, and conduct live weapon training.