China and Russia schedule annual naval drills off Qingdao

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) began a series of naval exercises off the coast of Qingdao on Monday, with the drills scheduled to run through July 13. The maneuvers, conducted near one of China’s principal maritime bases, involve surface vessels, submarines and maritime aviation units and are described by Chinese officials as routine training aimed at enhancing combat readiness and coordination among fleet components.

Following the conclusion of the Qingdao exercises, the PLAN will join allied forces for a series of joint maritime patrols in the Pacific Ocean. The patrols, involving ships and aircraft from partner navies, are intended to promote regional security, uphold freedom of navigation and improve interoperability among participating forces. The coordinated operations underscore ongoing efforts to maintain a stable maritime environment in the broader Indo‑Pacific region.