The China-Russia joint naval drills began on Monday in the waters and airspace off Qingdao on China's eastern coast, marking another round of annual military cooperation between the two strategic partners. The exercises, scheduled to continue until July 13, will be followed by joint maritime patrols in parts of the Pacific Ocean, according to China's Ministry of Defence.

The military exercise comes as Beijing and Moscow continue to expand defence cooperation amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and broader international security environment.

Warships Join Exercise

Chinese and Russian naval forces have deployed multiple warships and support vessels for the joint operation.

According to China's Northern Theatre Command, the People's Liberation Army Navy is participating with two destroyers, a frigate, a submarine, a supply ship and a rescue vessel. Russian state media reported that Moscow has deployed a cruiser, a corvette, a diesel-electric submarine and a rescue vessel from its Pacific Fleet, all of which have arrived in Qingdao ahead of the exercise.

The participating fleets are expected to carry out coordinated operations in both maritime and aerial domains.

Focus On Combat Readiness

Military officials said the exercise will include reconnaissance missions, air and missile defence drills, surface strike operations and coordinated naval manoeuvres.

The annual programme is designed to improve operational coordination, strengthen interoperability and enhance joint response capabilities between the two navies. Officials from both countries have described the exercise as part of their regular military cooperation and not directed against any third country.

Growing Defence Partnership

The latest drills follow Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China nearly two months ago, during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their countries' strategic partnership.

During the visit, Putin described bilateral relations as being at an "unprecedentedly high level," while Xi characterised the relationship as resilient and enduring. Defence cooperation has steadily expanded alongside growing economic and diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Exercises Since 2012

China and Russia have conducted the "Joint Sea" naval exercise series annually since 2012.

Last year's drills were held near Russia's Pacific port of Vladivostok before both navies undertook joint patrols in the Pacific Ocean. The exercises have gradually evolved to include increasingly complex operational scenarios involving anti-submarine warfare, maritime security and coordinated fleet operations.

Military analysts view the annual exercises as an important indicator of deepening strategic cooperation between Beijing and Moscow.

Ukraine Context Remains

The latest naval drills also take place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

China has maintained that it remains a neutral party in the conflict and has repeatedly called for dialogue and peace negotiations. However, Beijing has not condemned Russia's military operation in Ukraine and continues to maintain close diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow.

Western governments have continued to closely monitor expanding military cooperation between the two countries.

The China-Russia joint naval drills are expected to attract significant international attention as both countries continue strengthening military coordination in the Pacific region. Defence analysts are likely to monitor the scale of the exercises and the subsequent maritime patrols for indications of future strategic cooperation.