e-magazine
The Hot Zone
China's newly announced air defense identification zone over the East China Sea aims to shore up national security
Current Issue
· Table of Contents
· Editor's Desk
· Previous Issues
· Subscribe to Mag
Subscribe Now >>
Expert's View
World
Nation
Business
Finance
Market Watch
Legal-Ease
North American Report
Forum
Government Documents
Expat's Eye
Health
Science/Technology
Lifestyle
Books
Movies
Backgrounders
Special
Photo Gallery
Blogs
Reader's Service
Learning with
'Beijing Review'
E-mail us
RSS Feeds
PDF Edition
Web-magazine
Reader's Letters
Make Beijing Review your homepage
Hot Links

cheap eyeglasses
Market Avenue
eBeijing

World
World
UPDATED: August 26, 2013 NO. 35 AUGUST 29, 2013
Militaries for Peace
China and Russia conduct routine joint military drills for the protection of regional peace and stability
By Ding Ying
Share

TAKING OUT TERROR: Ground assault units of both sides penetrate model "terrorist camps" on August 12 during a China-Russia joint military exercise (TANG CHANGJUN)

On August 15, the sixth China-Russia joint anti-terrorism military drill entitled Peace Mission 2013 concluded in Chelyabinsk, Russia. The joint military drill program has been an important aspect of bilateral military relations and security cooperation. The program not only promotes mutual trust between the two countries, but also makes great achievements in fighting terrorism and securing regional stability.

More joint drill opportunities and better communication will enhance the two armies' capability of jointly dealing with crises, said Li Shuyin, a researcher with the Academy of Military Sciences of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Li said the two countries can deter terrorism targets through Peace Mission military exercises, while creating a positive strategic environment for the promotion of regional peace and stability.

Compared with the first joint military drill in 2005, Li pointed out that this year's joint drill was greatly enriched in terms of content. As the joint military drill has become mechanized, the program will feature changing combat modes in future and boost the combat capability of each side, said Li.

Military exercises are the highest form of military training, and also an important way to improve an army's combat capability during peace time.

In spite of the different scales, regions and subjects, the past six joint drills highly focused on actual combat training, Li said.

"Both sides' combat level can be comprehensively examined and promoted during such a military drill, which is an approximation of actual combat," said Li. "This is an important military practice opportunity for the Chinese army to learn from other countries' combat experience and to improve its combat readiness."

Li explained that the Russian army has almost finished with its reform period and is entering a military strengthening period while accelerating its weaponry equipment upgrade. It is a crucial phase for the Russian army to promote its combat capability, said Li, adding that the Russian army can be a mirror of the Chinese army's combat capability.

The military relationship is the most meaningful and sensitive aspect of international relations. The joint military drill is therefore very helpful to promote bilateral relations.

The two joint military exercises conducted lately, namely the China-Russia Maritime Joint Exercise 2013 and the Peace Mission 2013, were the major steps taken by both China and Russia to respond to recent changes in the international security environment. These efforts will inevitably have significant and far-reaching impacts, said Wang Guanzhong, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the PLA, when visiting the drill on August 14.

The Peace Mission military exercises have greatly enhanced the strategic and military trust between China and Russia. They have shown the world the determined resolution of the two countries to meet new threats and challenges, jointly safeguard their fundamental interests and ensure regional and world peace, highlighting the high level of China-Russia comprehensive strategic cooperation, said Wang.

Li said China and Russia can learn complete and practical cognition from each other's strategic intention, combat capability and training level, which will help to improve their mutual trust level and allow them to steadily promote their military relationship. "Only with a stable military relationship can bilateral relations safely reach a high level," said Li. "The two sides have expressed their support to each other's firm determination of protecting their core interests through the practical action of joint military exercises. This will add greater momentum to the smooth development of bilateral relations."

Strengthening cooperation

China and Russia have completely solved the border plotting between them. They have also established mutual trust agreements and military verification mechanisms in the border areas. However, even these two big powers face challenges from terrorism. The joint anti-terror military drill is now a significant channel between the two sides in strengthening practical cooperation of defense affairs and security fields.

The joint military exercise is conductive to promoting the two countries' ability to maintain regional security and stability, said Li. "The two neighbors' common security environment faces challenges, especially from terrorists. As two responsible powers, their armies must constantly improve their combat capability to deal with growing traditional and non-traditional security threats."

1   2   Next  



 
Top Story
-Protecting Ocean Rights
-Partners in Defense
-Fighting HIV+'s Stigma
-HIV: Privacy VS. Protection
-Setting the Tone
Related Stories
-The Military Shapes Up
-Commitment to Peace
 
Most Popular
 
About BEIJINGREVIEW | About beijingreview.com | Rss Feeds | Contact us | Advertising | Subscribe & Service | Make Beijing Review your homepage
Copyright Beijing Review All right reserved