China and Russia have wrapped up the planning phase of their "Joint Sea-2026" naval exercise. Warships left a military port in Qingdao on Thursday morning to begin the at-sea phase, which includes joint reconnaissance, air and missile defense, maritime strikes and submarine rescue operations.

During the harbor phase, commanders ran through multiple rounds of command simulations and tactical coordination. Both sides agreed on key actions and rules, while refining procedures for maritime coordination and contingency response plans.

In port, crews from both navies visited each other's ships and held talks on maintenance, blue-water navigation and routine training management.