Russia-China naval drills not a threat, Kremlin says

Russia and China commenced annual joint naval drills in the waters and airspace off the Chinese city of Qingdao on Monday. The Kremlin asserted that these exercises are not a threat to any other country and are intended to enhance regional security and predictability.

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As for our joint exercises, they are not directed against anyone, nor against any single state in the region. Everyone should bear this in mind.

Russia has deployed a cruiser, a corvette, a diesel-electric submarine, and a rescue vessel from its Pacific Fleet for the drills, which are scheduled to run from July 6 to 13. Rear Admiral Sergei Sinko of Russia stated at the opening ceremony that the exercises would elevate naval cooperation between Moscow and Beijing to a new level, while also underscoring their defensive nature.

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On the contrary, cooperation between Russia and China in such an important and critical area is a very significant factor that contributes to predictability and security in the region.

When questioned about potential negative reactions from Asia-Pacific governments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that the joint exercises are not targeted at any specific state. He emphasized that cooperation between Russia and China in this critical area is a significant factor contributing to regional predictability and security.

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the exercises would take naval cooperation between Moscow and Beijing to a new level, while stressing that the exercises were defensive in nature.