According to the WeChat public account 'People's Navy', on the morning of July 6, the opening ceremony of the Sino-Russian 'Maritime Joint-2026' exercise was held at a military port in Qingdao, Shandong.
"I declare, China-Russia 'Sea Joint Exercise-2026' joint exercise has begun!" At approximately 9:00 am, after the General Director of the Chinese side gave a command, the joint exercise formally started. This exercise sets up joint directors and joint command departments with mixed naval composition from both China and Russia. The General Director of the Chinese side stated that the navies of China and Russia are an important part of bilateral military relations, and interaction frequency is increasing while forms are becoming diverse, and cooperation fields are expanding continuously. "Sea Joint" as a key joint exercise mechanism for the navies of both countries has been practiced for over 10 years, and it has become an important platform to consolidate the development of bilateral military relations, increase strategic mutual trust, enhance the ability to conduct joint operations, and improve the level of practical cooperation between the two navies. The General Director of Russia said that "Sea Joint" exercise is a way to improve combat coordination capabilities, exchange professional experience, and strengthen maritime fleet operation coordination. This exercise will promote mutual trust among the military personnel of both countries, and enhance their ability in maintaining peace and stability in the region."
After the opening ceremony, the navies of both countries conducted joint command exercises and tactical coordination. The joint command center held in-depth discussions on key drill subjects during the maritime exercise phase, and finalized the points of coordination. Subsequently, the participating forces from both sides will organize joint reconnaissance and early warning, air defense against missiles, and other drills in the sea-air area near Qingdao, as well as conduct actual combat weapon training.
Previously, the Russian naval fleet arrived at a military port in Qingdao on July 5th, and the participating forces from both sides were fully assembled. During the port phase, activities such as professional seminars, exchanges, and ship visits will be carried out. After the joint exercise concludes, some of the participating forces will conduct maritime joint patrols in the relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean.
