Chinese Soldiers Enter Belarus for 'Counter-Terrorism' Exercises

Three days after Belarus joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization led by Beijing and Moscow, the Minsk Defense Ministry announced the arrival of Chinese soldiers in the country for joint exercises. According to images and a statement released by the Belarusian Defense Ministry, Chinese soldiers entered the country on Saturday, July 6, and are set to participate in 'counter-terrorism exercises.' The statement adds that the Chinese soldiers will participate in the joint exercises for 11 days starting from this Monday, aimed at 'enhancing cooperation between the two countries in training forces.' Belarus was accepted as a new member at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit last Thursday, a bloc formed by Russia and China to counter the West. Iran had also become a permanent member of this organization exactly one year ago, during the summit on July 4, 2022. The main goals of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are declared to be combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism, but it also pursues security, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation. Belarus has faced severe criticism from the West for allowing some Russian military forces to launch attacks on Ukraine from its territory in February 2022, resulting in heavy sanctions against the country. Additionally, in recent days, Belarus has increased its military presence at the border with Ukraine, claiming 'violations of its airspace by Ukrainian drones.' The Minsk Defense Ministry states that Chinese military forces are expected to conduct joint maneuvers with Belarusian soldiers near the borders of the country with Poland. Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus, dubbed 'the last dictator of Europe,' met twice last year with Chinese President Xi Jinping to expand trade relations and revive the country's economy, which has been crippled by sanctions. The Chinese Defense Ministry also announced on Sunday that the joint exercises will be held near the city of Brest (200 kilometers from the Polish border) with the aim of increasing readiness to counter terrorist actions.