The Chinese and Russian navies gathered in Qingdao, Shandong Province, as originally scheduled, launching a joint naval exercise that includes live-fire drills.

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The Chinese and Russian navies gathered in Qingdao, Shandong Province, as originally scheduled, launching a joint naval exercise that includes live-fire drills.

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported on July 9 that the Chinese and Russian navies wrapped up the harbor preparation phase of the joint exercise "Joint Sea-2026" and departed a military port in Qingdao on this day, launching maritime drills mobilizing actual forces and live ammunition in the designated waters.

Prior to this maritime phase, the two countries conducted multiple command simulation drills and tactical coordination centered around the joint command post, while also fine-tuning operational procedures, exercise rules, maritime coordination systems, and emergency response plans.

The maritime drills are scheduled to take place in the waters and airspace near Qingdao. Specifically, the exercises will cover joint reconnaissance, air and missile defense, anti-ship strikes, and joint submarine rescue operations.

China deployed the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Anshan, Type 052DL guided-missile destroyer Kaifeng, Type 054A guided-missile frigate Wuhu, comprehensive replenishment ship Kekexili, and one submarine, all from its Northern Theater Command Navy. Among them, the Type 055 destroyer is the Chinese Navy's state-of-the-art large destroyer, evaluated as a core asset of its aircraft carrier strike groups.

Russia, meanwhile, is reported to have dispatched the missile cruiser Varyag—often dubbed an "aircraft carrier killer"—along with the frigate Rezkiy, submarine Ufa, and rescue vessel Igor Belousov.

The navies of both nations held various exchange events during the harbor phase that followed the opening of the exercise on July 6. Additionally, at the Chinese Navy Submarine Academy, officers and experts from both sides exchanged views on submarine rescue technology, equipment development, and maritime training, while also touring each other's warships. They further continued camaraderie and military exchanges by holding friendly basketball games and welcoming ceremonies.

Following the conclusion of this joint exercise, China and Russia plan to move to the Pacific Ocean to conduct joint maritime patrols, a move that is bound to draw a sharp reaction from the United States.

                                                                                                           Hong Soon-do