Joint Russian-Chinese Military Exercises

The Heritage Foundation hosted a panel discussion on “Joint Russo-Chinese Military Exercises: Aimed at Whom?” Ambassador Feldman read a paper submitted by Stephen J. Blank, research professor of National Security Affairs at the United States Army War College. Members of the panel discussed the August joint military maneuvers involving nearly 10,000 troops in both Russia and China. They talked about whether the Chinese were targeting Taiwan or other targets. Following their remarks, panelists responded to questions and comments from members of the audience.

The exercises involved foreign troops on Chinese soil for the first time in the history of the People’s Republic of China. The Chief of Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, General Liang Guangli, had called the maneuvers an exercise against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. close