China and Russia have announced plans to conduct joint maritime patrols across parts of the Pacific Ocean following their annual naval exercise this month. According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Defense, the exercise, named 'Joint Sea-2026', will take place in the coastal waters and airspace near Qingdao, a key naval base in eastern China. The ministry said the patrols aim to address security challenges jointly and maintain regional peace and stability.

The announcement comes about two months after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, during which he described bilateral relations as reaching an 'unprecedented height'. Chinese President Xi Jinping called the partnership 'unbreakable'. China and Russia have held regular 'Joint Sea' exercises since 2012, with last year’s drill taking place near Vladivostok, followed by joint patrols in the Pacific.

No details were provided on the number of warships, aircraft, or personnel involved in this year’s exercise. The statement underscores continued military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow amid ongoing global tensions.