Belarus and China Hold Joint Military Drills

Belarusian and Chinese military units held joint counter-terrorist exercises near the Polish border, footage released shows.

Belarusian state media outlet Voeyn TV (Military TV) broadcast video of servicemen practicing together in parachute jumping and field battle.

According to the Belarusian Ministry of Defence, the military forces of both countries are set to train a series of strategic maneuvers, including night landings, overcoming water obstacles, and conducting operations in populated areas.

The maneuvers, codenamed Falcon Assault, will go until July 19 and are taking place at a training ground near the city of Brest, the Belarusian Defence Ministry said. Brest, in southwest Belarus, lies near the border with Poland.

Belarus allowed Russia to use its territory as one of the launchpads for Moscow's military operation against Ukraine in 2022.

Chinese and Belarusian troops started joint military exercises near the Belarusian city of Brest, five kilometers from the Polish border. The maneuvers, codenamed Eagle Assault, will last 11 days until July 19.

"As part of the anti-terrorist exercises, the military personnel of both countries will work out the issues of night landing, overcoming water obstacles, and conducting operations in urban settings," the Belarusian defense ministry said on Telegram.

Belarus has been one of Russia's closest allies following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, providing logistical support and air bases but not troops to join the fighting.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said last week that Poland and Lithuania will raise the issue of border protection at the summit.

Belarus on July 4 became the 10th member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a grouping promoted by Beijing and Moscow as a counterweight to Western influence. Iran, Pakistan and India are also members.

Belarus and Russia have previously practiced deploying nuclear weapons and have held military drills together.