Russian and Chinese naval forces launched joint exercises in the Yellow Sea on Monday, with Moscow deploying the guided-missile cruiser Varyag, corvette Rezkiy, submarine Ufa and rescue ship Igor Belousov for a week of maneuvers. The drills, dubbed 'Maritime Cooperation 2026,’ are taking place off the port city of Qingdao in China’s Shandong province. – All crews are prepared and can’t wait to carry out their tasks – said Rear Adm. Sergey Sinko, commander of the Russian contingent.
The opening ceremony was held at the Qingdao naval base, according to the state-run news agency RIA Novosti. The exercises are scheduled to run through July 13 and involve not only surface vessels and submarines but also aviation assets from both sides. China has deployed the destroyers Anshan and Kaifeng, frigate Wuhu, a Yuan-class submarine, supply ship Kekesilihu and rescue ship Yangchenghu.
According to the official statement, sailors from Russia’s Pacific Fleet and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy will train together in a range of scenarios, including search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare and air defense, as well as joint artillery firing. The maneuvers aim to enhance interoperability between the two navies, which have been conducting regular drills since the early 2000s.
Focus on unmanned systems and anti-drone warfare
– This year, a wide range of tasks are planned, including joint maneuvers, anti-submarine exercises, search and rescue operations, and communications exercises – RIA Novosti quoted Sinko as saying. The Russian commander highlighted a new emphasis on drone and counter-drone operations. – A characteristic feature of the current exercises is the significant use of unmanned systems, unmanned boats, as well as counter-unmanned systems. This issue is very topical and has received considerable attention during the drills – he noted.
The integration of unmanned aerial and maritime systems reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, where drone warfare has become a decisive factor. Both Russia and China have been rapidly developing their drone capabilities and are keen to test them in a bilateral setting. Sinko said that the exercises include four days of sea phases, each dedicated to practicing specific scenarios.
Rescue operations and artillery drills
– We will also practice rescuing the crew of a submarine – Sinko revealed, confirming that a submarine is taking part in the drill. – This is not the first time, we already have experience in joint operations, including rescue missions, and this year such actions are planned – he added. The rescue scenario involves saving a submarine crew in distress, a complex operation requiring close coordination between surface ships, aircraft and divers.
In addition to search and rescue, the maneuvers will feature live artillery firing at designated targets. The Russian commander stressed that the naval exercise is not directed against any third party. – The maneuvers of Russia and China are not aimed against others. We practice joint actions, work on mutual understanding with Chinese sailors, and year by year the level of our cooperation is rising. We understand this, we know it, at the planning stage we discuss all issues and come to an agreement faster – he stated.
The drills come amid heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, with Russia and China increasingly aligning their military postures in response to what they see as Western-led alliances. However, Sinko insisted the purpose is purely defensive and focused on refining naval tactics and crisis response capabilities. Over the past decade, Moscow and Beijing have held numerous bilateral naval exercises, including in the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
