Beijing, July 06 (QNA) - The joint Russian-Chinese naval military exercises "Maritime Interaction 2026" have begun at the naval base in Qingdao, Shandong Province, eastern China.

The exercises will take place from July 6-13 as part of the regular joint naval drills between the two countries.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that the Chinese and Russian navies would conduct joint naval exercises in the waters and airspace near the coastal city of Qingdao. The ministry stated that units from both sides would then conduct joint maritime patrols in relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean.

It emphasized that these exercises are part of the annual cooperation plan between the two countries and aim to address security challenges and jointly maintain regional peace and stability. (QNA)