Russia-China Drills Not Related to Current Global Situation: Chinese Defense Ministry
© Photo : Russian Defense Ministry
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The Naval Interaction-2026 joint Russia-China maritime drills are not related to the current global and regional situation, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said on Friday.
"The activities are included in the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian armed forces. Their goal is to enhance the ability of the two states' forces to operate together and to jointly counter threats to maritime security. They are not related to the current global or regional situation," Jiang said at a briefing.
Cooperation between the Chinese and Russian military is based on the principles of non-alignment and non-confrontation, and it is not directed against third parties, the official said, adding that Beijing hopes that all third parties would objectively assess cooperation between China and Russia and would stop spreading their subjective conjectures.
The annual Russia-China maritime drills took place in the Yellow Sea from July 6-13, with a broad range of tasks scheduled, including joint maneuvering, anti-submarine warfare, search-and-rescue operations, and communications exercises. The Russian contingent comprised the guided-missile cruiser Varyag, the corvette Rezkiy, the diesel-electric submarine Ufa, and the salvage vessel Igor Belousov.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army navy deployed the destroyers Anshan and Kaifeng, the frigate Wuhu, a Yuan-class diesel-electric submarine, the multipurpose supply ship Kekexili Hu, and the salvage vessel Yangchenghu.
🚨🇷🇺🇨🇳Russia-China naval drills kick off near Qingdao
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) July 5, 2026
The forces will practice rescue ops, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and artillery fire.
China calls the drills part of the countries' annual cooperation plan to address security challenges and support regional… pic.twitter.com/sHNaZofXHd
