Chinese and Russian officials said Russian naval vessels have docked in China’s eastern port city of Qingdao ahead of joint maritime exercises expected to start Monday.

The reported vessels include the guided-missile cruiser Varyag and the diesel-electric attack submarine Ufa, along with other Russian support units participating in the drills, according to Chinese reporting from the People’s Liberation Army’s Northern Theatre Command.

A welcome ceremony was held at the dock for the Russian ships, and the drills are described by the Chinese defence ministry as part of an annual cooperation plan aimed at addressing security challenges and helping maintain regional peace and stability.

China said that following the exercise period, some forces from both countries would proceed to relevant areas of the Pacific Ocean to conduct joint maritime patrols. The exercises are set to run through next Monday.