The two navies practiced repelling drone and unmanned boat attacks in the Yellow Sea
Russian and Chinese warships have conducted live-fire drills in the Yellow Sea as part of the annual Joint Sea-2026 naval exercises, the Russian Pacific Fleet announced on Monday.
The sea phase of the drills involved vessels from Russia’s Pacific Fleet and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy. The crews practiced countering modern threats, including simulated attacks by drones and unmanned boats.
Over several days, ships from the joint detachment, which included guided missile cruisers, submarines, destroyers, and rescue vessels, used naval artillery and shipboard machine guns to repel a mock attack by unmanned aerial and surface systems. Electronic warfare systems were also used to suppress a simulated mass attack.
The crews also practiced joint maneuvering, anti-submarine warfare, engaging simulated enemy surface vessels, and search-and-rescue operations, according to the Pacific Fleet.
The Joint Sea-2026 exercises began on July 6. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously stated that the drills are not directed against any country, and that military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing contributes to regional security.
China’s Defense Ministry described the exercise as part of the annual cooperation plan between the two militaries. It said the drills are aimed at jointly addressing security challenges and maintaining regional peace and stability.
Russia and China have expanded military cooperation alongside closer political and economic ties in recent years. Moscow and Beijing have described their relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership, while repeatedly stressing that it is not directed against third countries.
