China’s Ministry of Defense announced Sunday that its coast guard and naval forces will conduct joint drills with Russia in waters and airspace near Qingdao. The exercises, held annually, aim to address shared security challenges and maintain peace and stability in the region. Following the drills, select units from both sides will move into designated areas of the Pacific Ocean for joint patrols.

Russian state media reported that vessels from the Pacific Fleet—including a large cruiser, a corvette, a diesel-electric submarine, and a rescue ship—have already arrived in Qingdao to participate. The drills are scheduled to run from July 6 to July 13.

The exercises highlight deepening military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow, reinforcing their strategic partnership amid heightened tensions with Western powers. Both countries frame the drills as defensive and stabilizing, though regional observers note they also signal growing alignment in maritime security operations.