China, Russia to hold joint naval exercise near Qingdao, Pacific patrol

The Chinese and Russian navies will hold a joint exercise in waters and airspace near the coastal city of Qingdao in North China in July, the country's Ministry of National Defense said on Sunday.

After the exercise, naval forces from both sides will conduct a joint maritime patrol in relevant waters of the Pacific Ocean, the ministry said.

The activities are part of the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, aimed at jointly responding to security challenges and maintaining regional peace and stability, it said.