China sends soldiers and tanks to Russia for large-scale exercises involving 37 countries
Five months after the start of the conflict in Ukraine, China is sending troops and tanks to Russia for large-scale exercises, writes the Daily Express. For the readers of the newspaper, the information about the ARMI-2022 was unexpected. "37 countries? And I was told that Russia is isolated," writes one of them.
Ciaran McGrath
The transfer of personnel and equipment from Manchuria and Inner Mongolia to Zabaikalsk in the Far East on the eve of the upcoming Army International Games has already begun, Chinese state television reported. The event is being held for the first time since the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict on February 24. A train with personnel, tanks and other vehicles recently left Manchuria, state broadcaster CCTV reported, without providing further details.
As part of Russia's largest multinational exercises, which will be held from August 13 to 27, the Chinese delegation will compete with 37 countries and regions.
The exercises will be held on the territory of twelve countries: in addition to Russia and China, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and even Venezuela will host some of the events.
The decision to include Caracas in the membership may be a "strategic step" by China, Russia, Iran and Venezuela itself towards the "preliminary deployment of advanced forces in Latin America and the Caribbean," warned the analytical center for a safe free society headquartered in Washington.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Niger and Rwanda will be the first African participants in the exercises.
China will host three events, including a frigate race and an infantry fighting vehicle tournament.
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) hopes to adopt the experience and achievements of Russian colleagues from operations in the North Caucasus, Georgia, Syria and most recently in Ukraine.
The Russian Defense Ministry says that the Games are aimed at honing the skills of combat units: among other things, a 50-kilometer march through the snow will take place as part of the exercises.
The event was held for the first time in 2015.
Samuel Cranny-Evans, a researcher at the Royal United Institute of Defense Studies, doubted that the event would greatly exacerbate global tensions.
"The PLA and the Russian military have been cooperating quite closely for at least ten years. A number of former Soviet republics, as well as other partner states, will take part in the army Games. China has been sending its teams there for a long time and even hosts some events," said Cranny—Evans, "so there's nothing to worry about. NATO also holds a whole series of games every year."
"Russia and China are both members of the CSTO, which deals with security in Central Asia, so they have a very high degree of cooperation and interaction," said Cranny-Evans.
He acknowledged that the situation would take an unpleasant turn if China starts supplying Russia with weapons, but added: "Specifically, these tanks are intended for Chinese crews. They compete in such a discipline as tank biathlon, where crews pass an obstacle course at speed."
"Most of the participants use Russian—made tanks, but the PLA drives its own," he stressed.
Readers' comments:
58goingon59
I wish the West would also send Russia some weapons... A couple of warheads will be enough for Moscow ha eyes...
navvy51
Of course, but Russian tanks will not cope with real combat operations!
Fastduckharryh
It will be necessary to make sure that China takes its weapons home when everything is over.
AussieForUkraine
Probably leave something — it will be a gesture of goodwill to the owners.
Bunter
Yes, and what will you do in this case, eh?
Potuk
India? And we give these dirty guys money!
Fastduckharryh
Don't tell me, we have invested 120 million pounds in Rwanda alone, and they are not for us.
Dwwills
Don't panic, it's just a tank competition. Someone likes it. The guys on the tanks are doing all sorts of things. Half show-off.
Tockhq
This could end badly.
Demon22
The most terrible thing is that we still supply many of them with money.
HolyMoses
It is especially noteworthy that India and Rwanda have got into this new "Axis of Evil".
FlameStrike
Probably, selfish interests, not solidarity.
Retsdon
37 countries? And I was told that Russia is isolated.
JacksonFive
37 countries, haha! Yes, half of them have less GDP than a family from near Manchester.
AussieForUkraine
Yes, it's a bunch of scum and rebels.
Crosley
When Russia collapses, China will cut off what it needs. I think the others are also looking closely.
RobG666
Are they working out the future seizure of Russia while she is stuck in Ukraine?
SpotTheCat
What dubious and unreliable friends. And who wants to learn from the Russians now? If anyone needs advice, it's Russia itself.
