China to Join Russia Military Exercises as U.S. Rivals Deepen Ties

China’s People’s Liberation Army said it is set to join military exercises led by Russia, in the latest demonstration of partnership between the two U.S. rivals.

Building on a “no limits” pact their presidents signed this year, the Russian and Chinese militaries are expected to drill side-by-side starting later this month in the Russian Far East, according to China’s Ministry of Defense. The exercises will mark their second joint show of force in the region this year after bombers from each country in May conducted a 13-hour drill close enough to Japan and South Korea that those nations scrambled jet fighters, at a time when President Biden was visiting Tokyo.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense didn’t immediately respond to a request for confirmation of whether China would participate in the exercises, which are scheduled Aug. 30 to Sept. 5.

Last month, the Russian ministry said units of its Eastern Military District, in the nation’s Far East near the borders of China and North Korea, as well as airborne, long range aviation and military transport aviation personnel and equipment, would participate in training maneuvers along with military contingents from other states it didn’t name. Reports, including China’s Defense Ministry statement, said India, Belarus, Tajikistan, Mongolia and other nations would join, though Russia hasn’t confirmed the participants.

Read More (...)