Chinese troops to attend multi-national military drills in Russia

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Chinese military will send troops to attend a multi-national military exercise in Russia “to deepen practical and friendly cooperation.”

The People’s Liberation Army troops will take part in the Vostok (East)-2022 strategic exercise where they will join counterparts from Russia, India, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Mongolia.

“The Chinese military's participation in the exercise is unrelated to the current international and regional situation,” China’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The military exercise, part of the annual China-Russia military cooperation plan, will be held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5.

The ministry added that the military exercise is “designed to deepen practical and friendly cooperation with the militaries of participating countries, enhance the level of strategic coordination and strengthen the ability to cope with various security threats.”