More than 10,000 China, Russia soldiers to attend joint drill in Ningxia
- Announcement from Beijing comes amid deteriorating relations between both countries and the US
- Exercise, scheduled for early August, will ‘consolidate cooperation’ and ‘maintain regional peace’
The move comes as both countries face a deteriorating relationship with the US.
“The purpose of this exercise is to consolidate and develop a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia,” Wu said during a regular press briefing in Beijing.
“It will also further demonstrate the determination and ability of both sides to combat terrorist forces and jointly maintain regional peace and security.”
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A joint command centre will be established and exercises will focus on aircraft, artillery and armoured equipment. There will also be training to improve joint reconnaissance, early warnings, electronic and information attacks and joint strikes.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday after a meeting in Tajikistan with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe that Russia had accepted an invitation from China to take part.
“We have found new forms of cooperation through joint efforts and continued to carry out effective cooperation,” he said, according to Russia’s state-owned news agency Sputnik.
Shoigu and Wei met on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting.
In recent days China and the US agreed during talks between US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman and senior Chinese diplomats of the importance of continuing dialogue.
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On Thursday, the Chinese defence ministry also accused the US of being the biggest cause of friction in the Taiwan Strait after the USS Benfold destroyer passed through the area.
China accused the US of being the biggest cybersecurity threat too.
The US has developed more than 2,000 different kinds of cyber weapons, Wu said, calling on the international community to “jointly oppose the US’ cyberbullying”. He urged Washington to explain its surveillance operations and stop creating tension and hostility in global cyberspace.
China will take “necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national network sovereignty, information security and social stability”, Wu added.
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Washington and Moscow are also trading barbs over issues including cyberattacks and Russia’s influence in Ukraine.
Song Zhongping, a former PLA instructor and now a military analyst, said China and Russia are both taking steps to improve their relationship.
“Firstly, it is vital for China and Russia to hold this joint drill to safeguard regional peace and stability, especially at a time when US hegemony still exists,” said Song. “Strengthening military cooperation will help maintain regional peace and stability and break the threat the United States poses.”
“Secondly, terrorism is a global issue, and a joint drill aimed at counterterrorism can help solve this problem in the region,” he added.
