China-Belarus joint military exercises draw attention amid Russia-Ukraine war

In a significant development, the Chinese military has commenced joint drills in Belarus, set to span over the next 11 days in the city of Brest, situated near the border with NATO member state Poland. The Belarusian government has expressed that these drills will serve as a platform to enhance the bilateral relations between Belarus and China in terms of joint troop training. This collaboration follows a previous agreement between the two nations to conduct more joint military exercises, with China and Belarus having also participated in Russia's Vostok multilateral exercise in August 2022. The joint military exercises come at a crucial juncture, coinciding with the NATO summit and taking place along the border where Belarus has been accused of weaponizing migrant flows to exert pressure on Poland, the EU, and NATO. The drills are being held in Brest, a key hub for train transport between China and Europe, with China actively working to boost overland trade via this route. Chinese state media reported that Chinese forces also participated in a military parade in Minsk, marking the 80th anniversary of Belarusian liberation. The strategic partnership between China, Russia, and Belarus has been strengthening, with implications for regional security and NATO relations. Major General Pavel Muraveyka, Belarus' Chief of General Staff, has openly made threats towards neighboring NATO members, further solidifying the alliance's stance. There are growing concerns that China might extend military support to Russia, a move that US officials warn could have severe repercussions. The joint anti-terrorist exercise aims to enhance coordination between Belarusian and Chinese units, with the exercises set to take place near the EU border. Belarus, under President Alexander Lukashenko, has been navigating a delicate balance between maintaining ties with Russia and expanding relations with China to revitalize its economy amidst Western sanctions. The country's recent admission to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) underscores its growing alignment with Beijing and Moscow. As the joint military training near Brest unfolds, it is expected to feature integrated training and mixed-unit drills, underscoring the deepening collaboration between China and Belarus in the realm of defense and security.