Russia and China have taken their military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region a step further by launching a joint naval exercise in the Yellow Sea. A fleet of warships from Russia's Pacific Fleet arrived at the Qingdao naval base in Shandong province, eastern China, for the 'Maritime Interaction-2026' exercise scheduled for July 6-13.
Emphasis on strategic partnership
The Russian leader of the exercise, Rear Admiral Sergey Sinko, said at a welcoming ceremony in Qingdao that these annual exercises have become traditional and their scale and complexity increase every year. Sinko stressed that the main purpose of the exercises is to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and serve peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Rear Admiral Sinko said, "I believe that during the upcoming joint meetings and activities, we will continue the glorious traditions of naval brotherhood, share our invaluable professional experience, and once again reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and stability at sea."
Participants from both navies
Significant naval platforms from both countries will take part in the exercise. From Russia, the cruiser 'Varyag', the corvette 'Rezkiy', the submarine 'Ufa', and the rescue ship 'Igor Belousov' will participate.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy will contribute with the destroyers 'Anshan' and 'Kaifeng', the frigate 'Wuhu', a 'Yuan'-class submarine, the supply ship 'Kekexili-hu', and the rescue ship 'Yanchenghu'.