China and South Korea discuss resuming joint maritime search drills

Friday 06 February 2026 - 08:00

By: Sahili Aya

China and South Korea discuss resuming joint maritime search drills

Defense officials from China and South Korea have held discussions on reviving joint maritime search-and-rescue exercises, signaling a potential renewal of military cooperation after a pause of more than a decade.

The talks took place in Beijing during the latest round of bilateral defense policy consultations, marking the first such meeting in over three years. Officials from both sides reportedly expressed a shared interest in restoring regular communication channels and rebuilding trust in the defense sphere.

Joint maritime search-and-rescue drills between the two countries were previously conducted intermittently in the mid-2000s, with the last exercise held in 2011. Since then, changing regional dynamics and diplomatic tensions contributed to a prolonged suspension of such cooperation.

According to officials familiar with the discussions, both sides positively assessed recent efforts to improve defense ties and agreed to gradually expand exchanges between their respective military authorities. The possible resumption of joint drills is seen as a practical step toward enhancing operational coordination and maritime safety.

The renewed dialogue follows recent high-level engagement between Beijing and Seoul. Earlier this year, leaders from both countries held summit-level talks aimed at stabilizing relations and addressing unresolved bilateral issues. The defense discussions are viewed as part of a broader effort to rebuild cooperation and strengthen regional security mechanisms.