Advertisement
Chinese and Russian troops hold joint drill targeting cross-border terrorism
- Last week’s exercise was held in a river area near the Heilongjiang bridge and follows two deadly terror attacks in Russia
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
8
Amber Wangin Beijing
China and Russia have conducted a joint military drill focused on cross-border terrorism, as concerns grow in Moscow over terror attacks.
The exercise was held in a river area near the Heilongjiang bridge – linking the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk with the Chinese city of Heihe – on June 25, the official PLA Daily reported on Tuesday.
It was the neighbouring countries’ first joint anti-terrorism exercise since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022.
The drill came just days after terror attacks in Russia’s southern Dagestan region on June 23, in which at least 22 people were killed in shootings at two synagogues, two Orthodox churches and a police post.
Advertisement
In March, more than 140 people were killed in an assault on a Moscow concert hall – the deadliest terror attack in Russia for almost two decades. Islamic State claimed responsibility, but Moscow has tried to link Ukraine to the attack – claims denied by Ukrainian officials.
Last week’s joint drill simulated “terrorists attempting to cross the border” to carry out attacks, the PLA Daily report said.
Advertisement
Chinese and Russian troops used air reconnaissance, maritime interception and ambushes on land to block and seize the terrorists during the exercise.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x