The Chinese military will take part in the "Caucasus 2020" strategic drills which will take place in Russia in September, Chinese Defense Ministry announced Thursday.
"In accordance with agreements between China and Russia, the People's Liberation Army will sent its servicemen to Russia's Astrakhan Region for participation in the ‘Caucasus 2020' strategic exercises, which will take place between September 21 and 26," the announcement says.
The statement adds that "servicemen from Armenia, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan and other countries will participate as well".
On Tuesday, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu disclosed that military contingents of nine foreign nations will take part in the drills, adding that nine more countries will send their observers.
It is understood that soldiers from military formations from the unrecognised entities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia will participate in the exercises. India a few days ago puled out from the exercises, citing concerns related to coronavirus. But Indian officials have told the media that concerns about the participation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the exercises also contributed to the decision. China, it seems, does not have these concerns.
source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: Chinese troops participating in a military parade on Moscow's Red Square (archive picture)
