The exercises would focus on defensive tactics, joint attack, encirclement, and battlefield control and command, the ministry said.

They were not directed at any third party or related to recent developments in the region, but instead designed to “move forward the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership … deepen practical cooperation in military training … and enhance the capacity of multinational forces to jointly respond to security threats, and safeguard regional peace and stability”, it said.

Besides the hosts and China, troops from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Armenia and Myanmar would take part, the ministry said, without identifying the three other nations taking part.

Belarus’ participation comes as the country is facing international scrutiny over the anti-government protests that began after its president, Alexander Lukashenko, claimed a landslide election victory last month.

Despite huge opposition at home, Lukashenko has said he has Russian military backing, while Chinese President Xi Jinping was one of the first world leaders to offer him congratulations on his election win.

Since establishing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” two decades ago, China and Russia have increased their military and diplomatic cooperation, largely in a bid to counter US influence in the region.

Their militaries regularly hold joint exercises and they back each other at the United Nations on issues such as Syria and North Korea.