Russian and China in joint military drills

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 10 Aug 2021 by Alex Teddy
On August 9 the two countries commenced joint exercises. The Russian Defense Ministry told them that they were doing this because of rising tensions with the USA. Over 10 000 troops are participating in Zapad Interaction 2021. This 5 day drill is being held in the Ningxia Hui Region of China. Russian troops are using Chinese arms for the first ever time.Russian Su-30SM fighters and motorized rifle units have been dispatched to the drill. Moscow is seeking to enhance its partnership with China. Both countries emphasize that they want peace and stability.The imminent withdrawal of NATO from Afghanistan is probably another reason for the drill. Both Moscow and Beijing are perturbed by the Afghan situation. China's ally Pakistan is supposed to exercise great influence over the Taliban. But some doubt Pakistan's ability to restrain the Taliban. The Russians are worried about the Taliban invading former Soviet republics. Since 2005 China and Russia have held joint military exercises. They are both unhappy with the Biden Administration. China is Russia's biggest trade partner.There have been rumors from Moscow that Russia might seek a formal military alliance with China. However, China is not as friendly as Putin pretends. The Chinese are regularly caught spying in Russia. Chinese intelligence officers are quietly expelled. Russia does not wish to damage relations over espionage. This stands in stark contrast to the fanfare that greets allegations of Western spies being apprehended in Russia. In September 2021 there will be another joint military drill under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This will include the armies of several other countries.

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