China and Russia announce joint naval exercises and Pacific patrols

China and Russia are scheduled to hold their annual 'Joint Sea-2026' naval exercises next week. According to the Chinese Ministry of Defense, the drills will take place in the waters and airspace off the coast of Qingdao. Following the exercises, the navies of both countries plan to conduct joint patrols in unspecified areas of the Pacific Ocean. Officials stated that the initiative aims to address security challenges and maintain regional stability. These maneuvers have been held annually since 2012, reflecting close economic and diplomatic ties between Beijing and Moscow. Western nations have expressed concern over the growing military cooperation, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The announcement follows a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to China, where both leaders emphasized their partnership. No specific details regarding the scale of the mobilized forces were provided by the Chinese authorities.