China's Defense Ministry announced on Sunday, July 5, that the Chinese and Russian navies will conduct a joint exercise in the waters and airspace off the city of Qingdao in July. No specific date was given for the exercise.
The ministry statement said, "After the exercise concludes, some forces from both sides will head to designated areas in the Pacific Ocean to conduct a joint naval patrol."
The ministry noted that these exercises are held annually, and that their aim is "to jointly counter security threats and maintain peace and stability in the region."
Strategic air patrol
More than a week ago, China's Defense Ministry announced that Chinese and Russian air forces had conducted a "strategic air patrol" over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, and the western Pacific Ocean. The statement emphasized that the patrol aimed to "demonstrate the resolve and capability to maintain peace and stability in the region."
Reuters' claim of a secret exercise
Joint Chinese-Russian military exercises continue to raise concerns in the West and among allied countries in the region. The Reuters news agency, citing two European officials and documents, reported that the two countries conducted a secret military exercise involving four Russian generals and at least two Chinese generals.
The officials said that the participation of such high-ranking military figures in exercises linked to the war in Ukraine reflects the importance Moscow and Beijing attach to this cooperation. Although China denied the exercise took place, the situation caused concern in Europe.
