China and Russia will hold the “Joint Sea-2026” naval exercise this month in waters and airspace near Qingdao.

Axar.az reports, citing Xinhua, that following the drills, forces from both sides will conduct a joint maritime patrol in parts of the Pacific Ocean.

According to the ministry, Russian vessels participating in the exercise have already arrived at a military port in Qingdao, and the assembly of all participating forces has been completed.

The exercise will focus on joint responses to maritime security threats. Chinese and Russian forces will conduct joint reconnaissance, air and missile defense, maritime strike operations, and other training scenarios.

The ministry said the drill is part of the annual cooperation plan between the two militaries and is aimed at “jointly responding to security challenges and safeguarding regional peace and stability.”