China, Russia launch joint naval drills off Qingdao with missile intercept, live-fire exercises

The Chinese and Russian navies have launched their annual joint maritime exercises in waters off Qingdao, Shandong Province.

The two navies held an opening ceremony Monday at a Qingdao naval port to formally begin the "Maritime Joint-2026" drills, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The exercises are structured in three phases: force assembly, port planning and maritime operations. The two countries' warships completed their assembly Sunday, and immediately after the opening ceremony the joint command conducted a CPX and tactical coordination training. The forces are then set to move into waters and airspace near Qingdao to carry out a range of maritime operations, including joint reconnaissance, missile intercept and live-fire drills.

Both navies deployed major assets for the exercises. China sent vessels centered on its Northern Theater Navy, including the Ansan — a Type 055 missile destroyer, the country's most advanced large destroyer and a core component of carrier strike groups — along with the Kaifeng, a Type 052DL missile destroyer; the Wuhu, a Type 054A missile frigate; the comprehensive supply ship Kekexilihu; and one submarine. Russia dispatched the missile cruiser Varyag, known as a "carrier killer," leading a contingent that included the frigate Rezky, the submarine Ufa and the rescue vessel Igor Belousov. Carrier-based helicopters and marines from both countries also took part.

Commanders from both sides underscored the strategic significance of the drills. The Chinese commander said "Maritime Joint" is "an important platform for strengthening strategic trust between the two navies and enhancing joint operational capabilities," adding that practical cooperation and the ability to respond to maritime threats had improved. The Russian commander said the exercises would "promote mutual trust between the two militaries and enhance their ability to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability."

After completing the drills, the two navies plan to move into Pacific waters for joint patrols. China's Ministry of National Defense said Sunday that the exercises and joint patrol are "scheduled under the annual cooperation plan between the two militaries" and are intended to "jointly respond to security challenges and uphold regional peace and stability."