Russian warships pulled into the eastern Chinese port of Qingdao on Sunday, setting the stage for joint maritime drills. Among the vessels is the Varyag, a Slava-class guided-missile cruiser often dubbed a “carrier-killer,” alongside the Ufa, a diesel-electric attack submarine. A welcome ceremony was held dockside to greet the Russian contingent as the exercises, known as Joint Sea, commence Monday.
The annual maneuvers underscore the deepening military partnership between Beijing and Moscow amid shared strategic opposition to the United States. These drills have become a fixture in Sino-Russian defense cooperation, typically involving complex sea operations and anti-submarine warfare training. Their timing, following recent Western naval deployments in the Asia-Pacific, adds a layer of geopolitical signaling.
The arrival was announced by the naval arm of the People’s Liberation Army Northern Theatre Command on social media. Specific details on the number of participating ships or the duration of the exercises have not been disclosed, though past Joint Sea exercises have involved multiple vessels and lasted over a week.
For both nations, the display of naval interoperability serves to counterbalance the U.S.-led alliance network in the region. China gains access to Russia's combat experience, while Russia reinforces its presence in the Pacific. The exercises are likely to be monitored closely by regional navies, including those of Japan and South Korea.
Analysts note that while the drills are routine, the inclusion of a submarine and a missile cruiser signals a focus on anti-access and area-denial capabilities. This could be seen as a deliberate message to Washington and its allies.