China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that the Chinese and Saudi Arabian navies will conduct a joint naval exercise, “Blue Sword-2025,” in Saudi Arabia later this month.
At a press briefing on Oct. 10, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director of the Information Bureau of China’s Ministry of National Defense and ministry spokesperson, said the drill will take place in mid-to-late October.
“China and Saudi Arabia will hold the ‘Blue Sword-2025’ naval joint training in Saudi Arabia in mid-to-late October,” Jiang said. “This is the third time the two navies have organized this series of joint exercises, which will further promote the exchange of tactics and techniques between the participating forces, and deepen the friendly relations and practical cooperation between the two militaries.”
The “Blue Sword” series is an evolving part of China’s broader military diplomacy effort aimed at strengthening operational interoperability and maritime cooperation with foreign partners. The drills provide a platform for tactical exchange, training in naval combat operations, and maritime coordination.
The upcoming “Blue Sword-2025” exercise continues a pattern of increased defense collaboration between Beijing and Riyadh. The two nations have conducted a growing number of military exchanges in recent years, reflecting their closer political and economic ties.