China avers military drills with Russia 'unrelated' to international situation amid war

China's Defence Ministry has stated that nation’s People's Liberation Army will take part in Vostok-2022 strategic command and staff exercise in Russia. Even though exercises are set to take place amid war in Ukraine and tensions over Taiwan, ministry mentioned that drills are 'unrelated' to current international situation without specifying furr. On Wednesday, ministry said in a statement that PLA will deploy some of its troops to Russia to participate in Vostok (East)-2022 strategic exercise, as part of annual China-Russia military cooperation plan and an agreement reached by two countries, ANI reported.  

Furr, statement continues to re, “ Chinese military's participation in exercise is unrelated to current international and regional situation but designed to deepen practical and friendly cooperation with militaries of participating countries, enhance level of strategic coordination and strengn ability to cope with various security threats"

tably, Vostok-2022 strategic command and staff exercise came at  time when Russia-Ukraine war reached its 175th day. This drill will be conducted at 13 training facilities in Eastern Military District under direction of Valery Gerasimov, he of Russian General Staff, TASS reported. Between period of August 30 and September 5, drills are expected to take place. As per Russian Defense Ministry, participating soldiers will rehearse maintaining military security in eastern area. 

Furr, in wake of war, China in July charged US with instigating brutal Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry, said during a news conference that Washington was to blame for horrific conflict and that it needed to stop acting as "world police". 

Beijing has been a reliable buyer of Russian military hardware

In dition to this, China is considered to be one of Russia’s key partners. Russia's most important ally is China. Since 1990s, Beijing has been a reliable buyer of Russian military hardware, accounting for 25 to 50% of all sales of Russian military hardware abro, according to Fox News report. While, Russian accusations that China has stolen intellectual property in past have occasionally strained relationship between two nations, despite se disagreements, two nations have grown closer and joint military drills have persisted. 

In meantime, Chinese Defence Ministry also asserted that drills will also include participation from India, Belarus, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and or nations. However, Indian Army and Ministry of Defence in New Delhi have t yet responded to presence of Indian soldiers during Vostok-2022 military drills in Russia, PTI reported.  

It is also pertinent to te that India has participated in Exercise ZAP 2021 drills in Russia last year, along with 17 or nations, including China and Pakistan.  

(Im: AP)