China and Russia will conduct a joint naval exercise later this month in waters and airspace near the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao, according to an announcement by China's Ministry of National Defense on Sunday.

The exercise, designated "Joint Sea-2026," will take place off the coast of Qingdao in Shandong Province and forms part of the annual military cooperation program between the Chinese and Russian armed forces.

In a statement, the Chinese Defense Ministry said the drills are intended to strengthen strategic coordination and operational cooperation between the two navies while enhancing their ability to jointly address security challenges.

According to the ministry, participating naval and air units from both countries will carry out a series of training activities designed to improve interoperability and coordination in maritime operations. Specific details regarding the size of the forces involved and the exact schedule of the exercise were not immediately disclosed.

Following the completion of the drills, selected Chinese and Russian naval forces will conduct a joint maritime patrol in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean. The patrol is expected to focus on strengthening communication, coordination, and joint operational capabilities between the two countries' armed forces.

Chinese officials emphasized that the exercise is part of a long-standing framework of defense cooperation between Beijing and Moscow and is not directed against any third party. The ministry stated that the activities are aimed at contributing to regional peace and stability while improving the two militaries' capacity to respond to common security threats.

The upcoming exercise continues a series of annual "Joint Sea" drills that have been held by China and Russia in recent years across various maritime regions. These exercises have included anti-submarine warfare training, air-defense operations, maritime search-and-rescue missions, and coordinated naval maneuvers.

Military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow has expanded significantly in recent years, with the two countries regularly conducting joint exercises, strategic air patrols, and naval operations. Officials from both sides have described their defense partnership as an important factor in maintaining regional security and strengthening mutual strategic trust.

Analysts view the latest exercise as another indication of deepening military ties between China and Russia amid evolving geopolitical and security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The "Joint Sea-2026" exercise is expected to draw close attention from regional observers as Chinese and Russian forces carry out one of their most prominent annual military cooperation activities. (ILKHA)