China’s Ministry of National Defense announced the plan on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Details on mobilisation scale and participating units were not disclosed in the announcement.

China and Russia will conduct their annual Joint Sea-2026 naval exercises off Qingdao, with plans for additional joint maritime patrols extending into the Pacific.

The exercises reflect strengthened Moscow-Beijing military cooperation amid shared opposition to a US-led global order, despite Western skepticism over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Qingdao, a major eastern port city, is highlighted for its maritime and strategic significance in the drills.

The defence ministry says the drills are designed to jointly respond to security challenges and safeguard regional peace, though it does not specify mobilisation scales or unit participation.

Reporting on the drills draws from Reuters, Associated Press, Nikkei Asia, China Daily, and Global Times.

The announcement notes the long-running Maritime Cooperation program, dating back to 2012.

China has renewed maritime patrols in eastern Taiwan waters, a move seen as provocative by Taipei and some European capitals.

Western intelligence has alleged high-level secret CBR defense training programs between Moscow and Beijing, heightening EU/NATO concerns about military interoperability.

The partnership reflects a shared preference for countering perceived U.S. dominance in global order.

The announcement was issued by China’s defense ministry and Russian state media, signaling coordinated activity.