China and Russia on Monday launched the Joint Sea-2026 naval exercise at a military port in Qingdao, in east China's Shandong Province, marking the start of their latest annual joint maritime drills.

A joint command center, comprising task forces from the navies of both countries, has been established to oversee the exercise, which will be conducted in three phases: force assembly, harbor-based planning, and at-sea operations.

Following the opening ceremony, the two navies carried out command and tactical coordination drills, while the joint command held detailed discussions on the key training objectives for the maritime phase of the exercise.

In the next stage, participating warships will sail to waters near Qingdao to conduct joint reconnaissance, air and missile defense drills, as well as live-fire training and other coordinated maritime operations.

According to China's Ministry of National Defense, the exercise will be followed by joint maritime patrols by selected Chinese and Russian naval forces in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean. Beijing said the annual drills are aimed at strengthening strategic coordination, enhancing joint operational capabilities, and contributing to regional peace and stability.(ILKHA)