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Chinese military in Belarus for joint ‘anti-terrorist training’ near Poland, Ukraine
- Exercise near border city of Brest is likely add to concerns among EU and Nato members
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![Chinese troops are taking part in a joint military exercise in Belarus for the first time. Photo: Belarusian Ministry of Defence](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2024/07/08/0be7da27-68d7-4b29-ac39-0d903d3c7e16_22acd74d.jpg?itok=lepZ0fQ-&v=1720423719)
China and Belarus have begun a joint military exercise in a border region close to Poland and Ukraine, a move likely to raise concerns in Europe.
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The “anti-terrorist training” – known as Eagle Assault – is being held near the city of Brest in western Belarus according to an “annual plan and consensus”, China’s defence ministry said on Sunday.
It said the exercise would be held from early to mid-July, with a focus on hostage rescues and joint anti-terrorist operations.
The Belarusian defence ministry on Saturday said Chinese troops had arrived in Belarus for the drills, which would run from July 8 to 19.
It is the first time China has sent military personnel to Belarus for training. Their last known joint exercise was the 2018 Eagle Assault held in Shandong province, eastern China.
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