China and Russia Hold Joint Naval Air Defense Drills in Yellow Sea

Chinese and Russian naval forces conducted joint air defense and anti-missile drills in the Yellow Sea on July 11 as part of the “Maritime Joint-2026” exercise, demonstrating deepening military cooperation between the two nations amid heightened global tensions. The drills tested a three-layer integrated air defense network combining warships from both navies, according to PLA Daily.

Exercise Overview

The “Maritime Joint-2026” exercise opened on July 6 at a military port in Qingdao, Shandong Province, with the theme “Jointly Responding to Maritime Security Threats.” The exercise involves three phases — force assembly, port planning, and sea exercises — and is scheduled to conclude on July 13, after which some participating vessels will proceed to the Pacific Ocean for a joint patrol.

Chinese participants include the Type 052D missile destroyers Kaifeng and Anshan, the Type 054A frigate Wuhu, a supply ship, a submarine rescue vessel, one submarine, helicopters, and marine forces. Russia contributed the Slava-class cruiser Varyag — its Pacific Fleet flagship at 11,000 tons — the Project 20380 corvette Linlie (commissioned in 2023), the diesel-electric submarine Ufa, and the rescue ship Igor Belousov.

Air Defense Drills

The air defense and anti-missile exercise, reported on July 11, simulated incoming aerial threats detected by radar systems aboard the participating vessels. PLA Daily reported that the Chinese destroyer Kaifeng served as the command platform, with real-time data links transmitting targeting information across the joint fleet.

A three-layer defensive network was established: Chinese vessels handled long-range interception, Russian ships covered the medium-range layer, and close-in weapon systems (CIWS) on all vessels provided terminal defense. The coordinated response successfully intercepted multiple simulated targets across successive waves, validating interoperability between the two navies.

“When the two sides communicate and plan together, efficiency is very high, and consensus is reached very quickly,” said Staff Officer Chen Ruoyu, as quoted by PLA Daily. Crew member Guo Xihuan, a five-time participant in the exercise series, noted that “the exercise content is becoming richer, the pace faster, the complexity deeper, and it is getting closer to actual combat.”

Strategic Context

The drills occur against a backdrop of deepening China-Russia military cooperation amid shared strategic competition with the United States. The “Maritime Joint” series, which began in 2012, has become a flagship brand of bilateral defense collaboration, rotating annually between Chinese and Russian waters. The 2025 iteration was held near Vladivostok and was followed by a joint Pacific patrol.

In an interview with China Military Online, the Chinese General Director stated that “under the current complex international security situation, this exercise has important practical significance for deepening defense cooperation and safeguarding regional peace and stability.” The Russian General Director described the exercise as “an effective platform for improving combat coordination, exchanging professional experience, and strengthening maritime formation operations.”

Concurrent SLBM Test and Regional Reactions

The exercise coincided with a Chinese submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test in the Pacific on July 6, which drew strong reactions from regional actors. According to Botanwang, China notified New Zealand, Australia, and Japan hours before the launch.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed deep concern, stating that New Zealand does not want China to use the South Pacific as a missile testing ground. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the launch “may impact regional stability” and criticized China’s lack of transparency regarding its military intentions. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa called China’s increasing military activities “an important concern for Japan and the international community.”

Taiwan’s National Security Director Tsai Ming-yen reported that four Chinese naval formations are currently operating in the Western Pacific, with over 110 vessels detected along the First Island Chain — a record number.

Analysis and Implications

The exercise demonstrates significant advances in China-Russia military interoperability. The mixed-staff command structure, real-time data link sharing, and combined three-layer defense network represent a notable step forward in joint operational capability. Analysts suggest that the integration of Russian and Chinese air defense systems creates a template for future combined operations.

The concurrent SLBM test adds a strategic dimension extending beyond the exercise itself, signaling China’s growing nuclear deterrent capability alongside its conventional naval cooperation with Russia. The timing — with the launch occurring on the same day the exercise opened — amplifies the strategic message Beijing is sending to regional and global audiences.

What to Watch For

Following the exercise’s conclusion on July 13, participating vessels are expected to conduct a joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean, continuing a pattern established in previous years. The patrol route and duration remain undisclosed. Observers will be watching for the US response, as well as any further Chinese military activities in the South Pacific, particularly in light of the recently signed Australia-Fiji defense pact.

The “Maritime Joint-2026” exercise ultimately underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow, while simultaneously raising questions among regional actors about transparency and the evolving security architecture in the Pacific.