China and Russia are taking their military cooperation in the Pacific region a step further. China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Sunday, July 5, 2026, that the two countries' navies will conduct a joint naval exercise in the waters and airspace off the city of Qingdao in July. No exact date was given for the exercise.
The ministry said that after the exercise concludes, some forces from both sides will head to specific areas in the Pacific Ocean to conduct a joint maritime patrol. The statement emphasized that the aim of these annual exercises is to 'jointly counter security threats and maintain peace and stability in the region.'
Strategic air patrol background
The announcement came after the two countries' air forces disclosed more than a week ago that they had conducted a 'strategic air patrol' over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, and the Western Pacific. China's Ministry of National Defense had stated that the patrol was also intended to demonstrate their determination to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Allegations of secret exercises and Western concerns
Joint Chinese-Russian military activities continue to be a source of concern in the West and among allied countries in the region. Reuters news agency, citing two European officials and documents, reported that the two countries had held a secret military exercise directly involving four Russian generals and at least two Chinese generals.
European officials noted that the participation of such high-ranking military figures in exercises linked to the war in Ukraine reflects the importance Moscow and Beijing attach to this cooperation. Although China denied that the secret exercise took place, the situation has raised concerns in Europe.
