China, Russia wrap up joint naval exercise - Ministry of National Defense

Chinese and Russian naval vessels sail in formation towards the designated sea area during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026. The "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia concluded at a military port in Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province Monday, with all planned exercise missions finished. Launched on July 6, the "Joint Sea-2026" is the twelfth in the series dating back to 2012. (Xinhua/Li Jie)

QINGDAO, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia concluded at a military port in Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province Monday, with all planned exercise missions finished.

Following the conclusion of the drills, some of the two countries' participating forces have set sail for the Pacific to carry out joint patrols.

The two naval forces dispatched 10 vessels, including surface, underwater, aerial, and support units, to the exercise centered on "jointly countering maritime security risks."

During the harbor planning phase, the two sides held various activities, including tabletop simulations, vessel tours, professional seminars, and receptions, alongside basketball matches.

At sea, they conducted live-force and live-fire subjects, including joint reconnaissance, anti-air and anti-missile defense, anti-surface strikes, and joint submarine rescue.

The joint exercise fully simulates real maritime and aerial combat environments with a strong combat-oriented focus, according to the Chinese chief director of the exercise.

The joint exercise further deepens the two militaries' strategic mutual trust, consolidates long-standing friendship and raises their capacity to jointly handle maritime crises, the chief director added.

Launched on July 6, the "Joint Sea-2026" is the twelfth in the series dating back to 2012.

Zheng Hong, a researcher with the Naval Research Academy, said the joint exercise bears important practical significance for safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Chinese naval vessels sail in formation towards the designated sea area during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026.(Photo by Cheng Jiahao/Xinhua)

Chinese guided-missile destroyer Kaifeng sails towards the designated sea area during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

This photo taken on July 13, 2026 shows the conclusion ceremony of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia at a military port in Qingdao, east Chinese Shandong Province.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

Chinese guided-missile destroyer Kaifeng sets sail after the conclusion ceremony of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia at a military port in Qingdao, east Chinese Shandong Province, July 13, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

The Russian missile cruiser Varyag sets sail after the conclusion ceremony of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia at a military port in Qingdao, east Chinese Shandong Province, July 13, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

Chinese guided-missile destroyer Kaifeng sails towards the designated sea area during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

Sailors are pictured aboard Chinese guided-missile destroyer Anshan during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 9, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

Chinese guided-missile destroyer Anshan sails towards the designated sea area during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026. (Photo by Cheng Jiahao/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 13, 2026 shows the conclusion ceremony of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia at a military port in Qingdao, east Chinese Shandong Province.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

Chinese naval vessels sail in formation towards the designated sea area during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

Chinese military personnel prepare for helicopter take-off during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

A helicopter prepares to take off from Chinese guided-missile destroyer Anshan during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Jie)

Chinese marines conduct live-fire drill during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 9, 2026.(Photo by Li Fengxiang/Xinhua)

Chinese and Russian submarines navigate on the surface during the maritime phase of the "Joint Sea-2026" exercise between China and Russia, July 10, 2026.(Photo by Cheng Jiahao/Xinhua)