China defends joint military drills in Belarus amid European concerns
During a press conference, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed, among other things, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' reaction to strengthening cooperation between China and Belarus. In his statement, he argued that the joint military maneuvers of both countries, which took place near Brest in Belarus, were not directed against any other country.
2:27 PM EDT, July 11, 2024
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the Chinese authorities hope for a peaceful resolution of the issues between Poland and Belarus. He expressed the belief that both sides should strive to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultations based on mutual respect.
Exercises in Belarus
On Monday, near the border with Poland, Belarusian-Chinese "anti-terrorism exercises," which will last until July 19, began. In response to these maneuvers, the Polish Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its concern about strengthening military cooperation between Beijing and Minsk and between Beijing and Moscow.
When asked for a comment on the matter, Lin Jian replied that he recommends contacting the relevant Chinese authorities for detailed questions regarding the joint military exercises of China and Belarus.
When asked about the differences in approach to US and Philippine military exercises, which Beijing openly criticizes, and Belarusian-Chinese exercises, Lin Jian argued that the latter result from "normal military exchange" and are not aimed at any specific country.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that cooperation between countries, including in security and military matters, should not be directed against the interests of any third party nor undermine peace and stability in the region.
The mentioned military maneuvers took place at the same time as the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. In the summit's conclusions, it was noted that the People's Republic of China has become a vital supporter of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict through its unlimited partnership and large-scale support for the Russian defense industry.
Chinese media, commenting on the military maneuvers in Brest, noted that these were the first joint exercises of the Chinese and Belarusian armies since Belarus joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, initiated by Russia and China. The newspaper "Global Times," Beijing's English-language propaganda outlet, also reminded that the Honor Guard of the Chinese People's Liberation Army recently participated in a military parade in Minsk on the 80th anniversary of Belarus's liberation.
The "Global Times" quoted anonymous observers who noted that both events showed that the People's Liberation Army is capable of quickly transporting its troops in case of a security threat.
