South Korea and Russia Conduct Joint Military Exercises with Afghanistan in Mind

Calls for Joint Exercises to Ensure Regional Peace and Stability After US Troop Withdrawal
Russia Enters Chinese Territory for First Military Training

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China and Russia, whose relations have strengthened due to US-China tensions, are conducting joint military exercises with Afghanistan in mind.

Global Times, citing a statement from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, reported on the 30th that Russian troops will participate in military exercises held next month in northwest China. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced that from early to mid-August, the 'West-Cooperation 2021' exercises will be conducted together with Russian forces at the Qingtongxia military base in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China.

Photo by Global Times capture

According to the Chinese military, over 10,000 personnel will participate in this exercise, which will include various joint training such as early warning drills using aircraft for reconnaissance and artillery firing exercises involving tanks and other weapons.

Global Times added that this is the first time since the pandemic that the People's Liberation Army of China has conducted joint exercises with another country. It also noted that this is the first time Russian troops have entered Chinese territory to conduct joint exercises.

Global Times evaluated that the joint exercises with the Russian military signify mutual trust between the two countries and demonstrate their will and capability to maintain regional peace and security.

It further added that these exercises will consolidate the new comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, deepen practical military cooperation, and strengthen their traditional friendly relations.

Global Times, quoting Chinese international affairs experts, analyzed that the purpose of this exercise is to take into account changes in the situation in Afghanistan. The report stated, "The United States irresponsibly withdrew from Afghanistan, leaving a burden on neighboring countries," and that China and Russia, as countries adjacent to Afghanistan, will jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Chinese media reported that this exercise was proposed by Wei Fenghe, Vice Minister of National Defense of China, to Sergey Shoigu, Russian Minister of Defense, and was realized accordingly.