Two People’s Liberation Army Air Force Y-20 large transport aircraft fly in formation. Photo provided by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China.
The Chinese and Belarusian militaries are set to conduct joint anti-terrorism drills soon after Belarus formally joins the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), experts said on Sunday, which will contribute to peace and stability in the region.
In accordance with the two countries’ annual plans and agreements, the Chinese and Belarusian militaries will conduct a joint military exercise, “Eagle Assault 2024,” from early to mid-July near the Belarusian city of Brest, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a press release on Sunday.
According to a Chinese press release, against the backdrop of counter-terrorism missions, participants from both sides will carry out mixed training exercises and practice missions such as hostage rescue and counter-terrorism operations, aiming to improve the training level and interoperability of participating forces and deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries.
According to a press release issued by the Belarusian Ministry of Defense on Saturday, servicemen from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have arrived in Belarus to take part in joint anti-terrorism exercises scheduled for July 8-19.
According to a Belarusian press release, the joint exercises will allow for the exchange of experience, coordination between Belarusian and Chinese troops, and lay the foundation for further development of Belarusian-Chinese relations in the field of joint military training.
Photos released by the Belarusian Ministry of Defense show PLA soldiers arriving in Belarus aboard a People’s Liberation Army Air Force Y-20 strategic transport aircraft.
The joint drills were announced after Belarus formally joined the SCO on Thursday, becoming its 10th member state, the official Xinhua news agency reported the same day.
A Chinese military expert, who asked not to be named, told the Global Times on Sunday that the counter-terrorism-themed joint exercise would contribute to peace and stability in Eastern Europe from non-traditional security threats.
The expert said he believes that under the SCO framework, China and Belarus will enjoy deeper cooperation in the fields of security and defense.
This is not the first time the PLA has taken part in Belarusian events this month, as a PLA honor guard took part in a military parade in the capital, Minsk, on Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus, PLA Daily reported Thursday.
Observers said both incidents demonstrated the PLA’s ability to rapidly transport troops in the event of a security emergency.
