China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that Chinese and Russian naval forces will conduct joint maritime and air exercises in the waters and airspace near Qingdao during July.

The ministry said that after the exercises conclude, part of the participating forces will carry out joint naval patrols in designated areas of the Pacific Ocean.

According to the ministry, the annual drills are intended to strengthen military cooperation, address shared security challenges, and maintain regional peace and stability.

Russian state media reported that a cruiser, a corvette, a diesel-electric submarine, and a rescue vessel from Russia’s Pacific Fleet have arrived in Qingdao to participate in the exercises, which begin on Monday and run through July 13.