The armed forces of China and Russia will conduct joint naval exercises in July in the Yellow Sea, called "Maritime Interaction - 2026," the Chinese Ministry of National Defense reported on Sunday, July 5. It did not specify the exact dates of the maneuvers or the number of equipment and personnel involved. The exercises will take place in the sea and airspace near Qingdao. "After the exercises, part of the forces from both sides will conduct joint maritime patrols in the relevant waters of the Pacific Ocean," the Chinese Ministry of Defense clarified. "This is part of the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian armed forces aimed at jointly addressing security issues and maintaining peace and stability in the region." According to the Turkish agency Anadolu, a ceremony was held in the port of Qingdao to welcome the Russian naval forces arriving to participate in the maneuvers. Russia is represented by the cruiser "Varyag," the frigate "Rezky," the submarine "Ufa," and the rescue ship "Igor Belousov." From the Chinese side, the destroyers "Kaifeng" and "Anshan," the frigate "Wuhu," the supply ship "Kikesili," and the submarine rescue vessel "Yangjianghu" will participate. Additionally, deck helicopters will be involved. **EU Official: China Secretly Trains Russian Military for War Against Ukraine** In May, it became known that at the end of 2025, the Chinese armed forces secretly trained about 200 Russian military personnel at several locations in China. "It has been confirmed that China trained Russian soldiers, some of whom were then sent directly to the war against Ukraine," a senior EU official stated in a comment to a correspondent from "Deutsche Welle" on the condition of anonymity. He also stated that this information differs from what the Chinese side had previously reported to the European Union. This information was confirmed by EU intelligence services.