What's happened
Chinese and Belarusian troops have commenced joint military exercises near Brest, Belarus, just five kilometers from Poland. The drills, codenamed Eagle Assault, will last 11 days and focus on anti-terrorist training. This move is seen as a response to NATO's presence and Western policies towards Belarus and Ukraine.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Significance
- Geopolitical Tensions: The drills are positioned close to NATO borders, signaling a direct challenge to Western influence in Eastern Europe.
- Support for Russia: This collaboration reinforces China's support for Russia and its allies amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.
Military Implications
- Joint Training: The exercises will enhance operational coordination between Chinese and Belarusian forces, potentially increasing their effectiveness in future conflicts.
- Regional Security: The presence of Chinese troops in Belarus may escalate tensions with neighboring NATO countries, particularly Poland.
Future Outlook
- Increased Cooperation: The drills may lead to more frequent military collaborations between China and Belarus, further solidifying their alliance against Western policies.
- Potential Escalation: As military exercises coincide with NATO summits, they could provoke a stronger response from NATO members, heightening regional instability.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the exercises are described as 'anti-terrorist training' and are part of an annual plan agreed upon by both nations. The timing of the drills, coinciding with the NATO summit, has raised concerns among EU and NATO members, particularly Poland, which views the exercises as a direct threat. Metro highlights that the drills are a response to NATO's growing presence near Belarus, with Belarusian officials warning of a 'harsh reaction' to any perceived aggression. Politico notes that these exercises are a continuation of Belarus's close military ties with Russia, especially following the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. The South China Morning Post emphasizes that this is the first time in six years that Chinese troops have participated in such exercises in Belarus, marking a significant shift in military dynamics in the region.
How we got here
The joint military exercises follow Belarus's recent accession as the 10th member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a bloc led by China and Russia. This marks the first time in six years that Chinese troops have been deployed to Belarus for military training.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for NATO?
- How does this affect relations with Poland?
- What is the significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?
Common question
More on these topics
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Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus and formerly known as Byelorussia or Belorussia, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country located in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions, covering an area of 312,696 square kilometres, and has a largely temperate seasonal climate.
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Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko is a Belarusian politician serving as President of Belarus since the office was created on 20 July 1994.