- Annual military drills to include maritime patrols in the Pacific, with both nations emphasizing regional security and stability
BEIJING: China and Russia will hold joint naval exercises in the waters and airspace near the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao next week, according to statements released on Sunday by China’s Ministry of National Defense and Russian state media.
The Chinese defense ministry said the exercises form part of the two countries’ regular annual military cooperation and are intended to strengthen their ability to jointly address security challenges while contributing to regional peace and stability.
“Following the exercises, some of the participating forces from both sides will proceed to relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean to conduct joint maritime patrols,” the ministry said in a statement.
The drills are scheduled to take place from July 6 to 13 and will involve coordinated operations by naval and air units from both countries.
Russian state news agency RIA reported that vessels from Russia’s Pacific Fleet have already arrived in Qingdao to participate in the exercises. The contingent includes a guided-missile cruiser, a corvette, a diesel-electric submarine, and a rescue ship.
The annual joint exercises reflect the deepening military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow, with both nations regularly conducting combined training activities aimed at enhancing operational coordination and safeguarding shared strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
BY: The Times Union
