Beijing: China and Russia are going to start their naval exercises on Monday in the Yellow Sea. This shows that they are getting closer as partners. They are working together on military things because of the changing security situation in the region and around the world.
The exercise is called “Joint Sea-2026”. It will happen in the waters and airspace near Qingdao, which is a naval base for China on its east coast. China’s Ministry of National Defence said this.
After the drills, the naval forces from China and Russia will conduct a patrol in some parts of the Pacific Ocean. They have not said exactly where this will happen. China’s military says the exercise is meant to help the two navies work together better. They want to be able to respond to security challenges at sea and help keep the region peaceful and stable.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Northern Theatre Command said that the forces taking part include two destroyers, a frigate, a submarine, a supply ship and a rescue vessel. All of these have already arrived in Qingdao. The Russian Pacific Fleet said the exercise will last for a week from July 6 to July 13. They will practice things like fighting against submarines, defending against air attacks and doing rescue operations at sea.
Russia has sent a cruiser, a corvette, a submarine and a rescue vessel for the drills. At the opening ceremony in Qingdao, Russian Rear Admiral Sergei Sinko said the exercises are meant to strengthen the partnership between Russia and China. They also want to help keep the region peaceful and stable.
These naval drills are happening two months after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China. During the visit, both leaders said how close their countries are. Putin said their relations are at a high level, and Chinese President Xi Jinping talked about how strong their partnership is. China and Russia have been doing these “Joint Sea” exercises every year since 2012. The drills are a part of how they are working together more on military things.
