China and Russia will conduct joint naval exercises in "relevant areas" of the Pacific Ocean.

The naval forces of China and Russia will conduct military exercises called "Joint Sea-2026" in July, in the waters near the port of Qingdao, according to the Chinese Ministry of Defense. These maneuvers are part of the annual military cooperation plan and aim to respond to security challenges and protect regional stability. The exercises will be followed by a "joint naval patrol" in "relevant areas" of the Pacific Ocean, without specifying the exact coordinates.

The announcement comes after a recent joint aerial patrol in the Sea of Japan, which sparked reactions from South Korea and Japan. Additionally, China has resumed maritime patrols in the eastern waters of Taiwan, which has been considered a threat by Taipei and other European countries. Military exercises between Beijing and Moscow have become more frequent since the signing of a strategic alliance in 2022.