Story perspectives

China, Russia Conduct Qingdao Sea-Lane Drills, China Stays Neutral

7/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

China has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, keeping a neutral stance while the navies train off Qingdao from July 6-13.
The fleet includes Chinese destroyers Kaifeng and Anshan and Russian cruiser Varyag, plus other warships.
Sailors held a friendly basketball game and toured each other’s ships after meetings and seminars.
Analyst Song Zhongping says the drills aim to keep sea lanes open, deter unilateral actions and uphold the post-World II order.

History

Historical Context

On 27 March 1999 NATO started bombing Yugoslavia, and Russia convened the UN Security Council to denounce the unilateral strike. China’s officials later inspected the downed U.S. F-117, a move that deepened its military ties with Moscow. The 1999 confrontation thus underlies today’s Sino-Russian destroyer drills off Qingdao, signalling continued maritime coordination.

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Story summary

China has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, keeping a neutral stance while the navies train off Qingdao from July 6-13.
The fleet includes Chinese destroyers Kaifeng and Anshan and Russian cruiser Varyag, plus other warships.
Sailors held a friendly basketball game and toured each other’s ships after meetings and seminars.
Analyst Song Zhongping says the drills aim to keep sea lanes open, deter unilateral actions and uphold the post-World II order.

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