China, Russia Launch Joint Naval Drills in Pacific Amid Rising Regional Tensions

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – China and Russia launched joint naval exercises this week in Chinese waters before expanding operations into the Pacific Ocean, underscoring the deepening military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow as tensions continue to rise across the Indo-Pacific.

China’s Defense Ministry said the drills, called “Joint Sea 2026,” are intended to help both nations “counter maritime security threats.” The exercises began near the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao in Shandong province and are expected to run from Monday, July 6, through Monday, July 13.

According to China’s state-run Global Times, Russia deployed several vessels for the drills, including the guided missile cruiser Varyag, the frigate Rezkiy, the submarine Ufa, and the rescue ship Igor Belousov.

China’s contribution includes the guided missile cruisers Kaifeng and Anshan, the frigate Wuhu, the supply ship Kekexilihu, the submarine rescue ship Yangchenghu, and an additional submarine.

The exercises are being carried out in three phases: force assembly, port planning and coordination, and at-sea operations. The port phase includes planning meetings, seminars, ship tours, and a friendly basketball match between personnel. The at-sea phase is expected to include joint reconnaissance, air and missile defense, and maritime strike operations.

Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping told the Global Times that the drills are meant to demonstrate the ability of China and Russia to keep strategic sea lanes open and operate farther into the Pacific. He also said the exercises are intended to deter what Beijing describes as “unilateral actions” by certain countries — language often used by the Chinese Communist Party to criticize U.S. activity and alliances in the region.

The comments appeared to reflect Beijing’s broader frustration with the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and other regional partners that have challenged China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

The Kremlin, however, sought to downplay the military message. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that the drills are “not directed against anyone” and insisted that Russia-China cooperation contributes to “predictability and security” in the region.

The joint exercises come as China continues to assert its maritime claims in the South China Sea and Russia looks to expand its strategic partnerships amid its confrontation with the West.

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