China and Russia to hold joint naval and air exercises near major port city

China’s Ministry of Defence announced on Sunday that Chinese and Russian naval forces will conduct joint military exercises in waters and airspace near the coastal city of Qingdao. The drills are part of regular annual operations designed to address regional security challenges and maintain stability in the area.

Qingdao, located on China’s eastern coast in Shandong Province, is home to significant Chinese naval installations and serves as a major commercial shipping hub. The announcement underscores the deepening military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow, particularly in the maritime domain.

According to the Defence Ministry statement, the exercises are intended to test operational readiness and strengthen coordination between the two nations’ armed forces. Such joint operations have become increasingly common between China and Russia in recent years, reflecting their closer strategic alignment and shared interests in countering what they view as destabilising external influences in their respective regions.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.