China defends military drills with Belarus amid Polish concerns
Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, addressed the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' reaction to the strengthening of cooperation between China and Belarus during a press conference. In his statement, he argued that the joint military manoeuvres of both countries, which took place near Brest in Belarus, were not directed against any other country.
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 19 July, began. In response to these manoeuvres, the Polish Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its concern about strengthening military cooperation between Beijing and Minsk and 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 criticises, 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 emphasised 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 military manoeuvres mentioned took place at the same time as the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. The summit's conclusions noted that the People's Republic of China has become a key supporter of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict through its so-called unlimited partnership and large-scale support for the Russian defence industry.
Chinese media, commenting on the military manoeuvres in Brest, noted that these were the first joint exercises of the Chinese and Belarusian armies since Belarus joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, initiated by Russia and China. The newspaper "Global Times," Beijing's English-language propaganda outlet, also reminded that the Honour 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 could quickly transport its troops in case of a security threat.
