China and Russia Conclude Joint Sea-2026 Naval Exercise in Yellow Sea
The China-Russia “Joint Sea-2026” naval exercise has concluded its maritime drill phase in the Yellow Sea off Qingdao, China, marking the 14th iteration of an annual bilateral military cooperation program that has evolved from symbolic port visits into complex multi-domain operations. The maritime phase wrapped up on July 11, with follow-on joint patrols in the Pacific Ocean planned after the exercise formally ends on July 13.
Background and Strategic Context
Since its inception in 2012, the “Joint Sea” series has grown into what Chinese officials describe as “a joint exercise brand with certain international influence,” serving as both a platform for military cooperation and a window into the strategic trust between Beijing and Moscow. This year’s exercise, themed “Jointly Responding to Maritime Security Threats,” takes place against a backdrop of heightened US-China strategic competition, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and increased US-Japan-ROK-Philippines joint military activities in the region.
According to China’s Ministry of National Defense, the exercise is designed to “jointly respond to security challenges and safeguard regional peace and stability.” Notably, Chinese commentary observed that the official announcement omitted the phrase “not targeting any third party” that was used in previous years — a shift interpreted by analysts as a more assertive signal.
Forces and Capabilities on Display
The exercise features significant naval assets from both countries. Russia’s Pacific Fleet task group is led by the Slava-class guided-missile cruiser Varyag, the fleet’s flagship, accompanied by the frigate Rezkiy, the Improved Kilo-class submarine Ufa, and the rescue ship Igor Belousov. China’s Northern Theater Navy deployed the Type 055 destroyer Anshan, the Type 052D destroyer Kaifeng, the Type 054A frigate Wuhu, the replenishment ship Kekexili Lake, the submarine support ship Yangcheng Lake, and one submarine, as detailed by the Ministry of National Defense (English version).
Xinhua News published a photo feature showing Chinese and Russian vessels conducting joint maneuvers, with ship-based helicopters and marine corps personnel participating in the drills.
Exercise Scope and Operational Depth
The maritime drill phase, conducted on July 10-11, included joint reconnaissance, air defense and anti-missile operations, surface strike exercises, anti-submarine warfare, live-fire training, and joint submarine rescue operations. The Chinese exercise director, in an exclusive interview with PLA Daily, emphasized that the drills “do not use fixed scripts” and adapt in real time to battlefield conditions, hydrometeorological factors, and the operational environment.
“Against the backdrop of a complex and volatile international security situation, organizing this China-Russia ‘Joint Sea-2026’ exercise has important practical significance for deepening bilateral defense cooperation and safeguarding regional peace and stability,” the Chinese exercise director stated.
The inclusion of submarine rescue operations and the participation of submarines from both navies marks a significant expansion from surface-only operations to “surface + subsurface” three-dimensional warfare. The director identified five areas of capability improvement: joint command coordination, underwater operations, sea-air confrontation, far-sea support, and learning from Russian operational experience.
Kremlin Response and Regional Reactions
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the exercises are defensive in nature and not directed against any country. As reported by Global Banking & Finance Review, Peskov stated: “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.” He added that cooperation between Russia and China “is a very significant factor that contributes to predictability and security in the region.”
Russian Rear Admiral Sergei Sinko said at the opening ceremony that the exercises would take naval cooperation between Moscow and Beijing to a new level while stressing their defensive nature.
However, analysts view the exercise through a more competitive lens. Chinese military commentator Song Zhongping told QQ News that the joint exercise is “aimed at sending a message to Japan” regarding its political trajectory. International analysts cited by Stars and Stripes characterize the drills as a challenge to US-led military might in the Pacific, while Defence Security Asia describes the exercise as intensifying strategic pressure on US alliances across the Indo-Pacific security architecture.
Analysis and Implications
The exercise demonstrates several significant trends in Sino-Russian military cooperation. The mixed Chinese-Russian task groups, real-time adaptation to battlefield conditions, and cross-language command coordination indicate a high level of interoperability that has developed over 14 years of joint exercises. The planned follow-on Pacific patrol extends the exercise’s scope from near-seas defense to far-seas presence, demonstrating China’s growing blue-water naval capabilities and Russia’s continued commitment to maintaining a visible presence in the Pacific.
Analysts note that while operational integration between both navies remains below formal alliance standards, recurring exercises steadily reduce friction points that historically limited coordinated maritime maneuvers between Chinese and Russian naval formations. The cumulative effect lies in the creation of institutional familiarity supporting faster operational coordination during future regional emergencies.
What’s Next
Following the conclusion of Joint Sea-2026 on July 13, participating vessels from both navies are expected to conduct a joint maritime patrol in the Pacific Ocean. The specific route and duration of this patrol remain undisclosed, but it is likely to transit through strategic waterways that have drawn increased attention from Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Regional powers will be closely monitoring these developments as Sino-Russian naval cooperation continues to reshape the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific.