China, Russia to hold joint naval drills in Pacific

China and Russia are set to conduct their annual joint naval exercises this month, with patrols planned in unspecified areas of the Pacific Ocean, Beijing's defense ministry announced Sunday.

The "Joint Sea-2026" exercise will involve naval forces from both countries operating in waters and airspace off Qingdao, a major military port in eastern China. Following the drills, some forces will proceed with joint maritime patrols. The ministry stated the exercises are intended to "jointly respond to security challenges and safeguard regional peace and stability."

These military maneuvers occur approximately two months after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China, during which he described relations as having reached an "unprecedentedly high level." Chinese leader Xi Jinping also hailed their partnership as "unyielding."

The "Joint Sea" exercises have been a regular feature since 2012. Last year's edition, held near the Russian port of Vladivostok, was also followed by joint patrols in the Pacific. Western countries and some others view this deepening military partnership with suspicion, particularly as Russia's war in Ukraine continues.

China has maintained a stance of neutrality regarding Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, advocating for peace talks. However, many of Ukraine's Western allies, including the United States, suspect Beijing of providing support to Moscow's war efforts.

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This arrangement is ... aimed at jointly responding to security challenges and safeguarding regional peace and stability.