China Expands Military Activities... Conducts Multinational Counterterrorism Exercises

Participation of Pakistan, Mongolia, and Thailand Militaries in Chinese PLA Anti-Terrorism Drills
Preparedness for Terror Threats Amid Afghan Situation Changes... Also Aiming to Block Support for Xinjiang Uyghur Independence

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China is conducting a joint anti-terrorism exercise involving the Pakistan military and others. This is the first time China has held a multinational joint anti-terrorism exercise within its own territory. Concerns are rising that the operational scope of the Chinese military is expanding amid escalating US-China tensions.

Photo by China Military Online Capture

According to Chinese media including China Central Television (CCTV) on the 7th, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China is conducting the "Shared Destiny 2021 Multinational Peacekeeping Forces Exercise" jointly with the militaries of Pakistan, Mongolia, and Thailand from the 6th to the 15th in Queshan, Henan Province, over a period of 10 days. It appears that the three countries participating in the exercise are related to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese media reported that the exercise will include anti-terrorism related training such as reconnaissance and patrol, armed escort, and epidemic response.

Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Tan Kefei stated, "About 1,000 troops are participating in this exercise," adding, "Training will be conducted in various areas including rapid response, security, transportation, and helicopter transport."

The Chinese military is also participating in an anti-terrorism exercise involving Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states with over 4,000 troops. For this exercise, which includes the militaries of Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, China transported approximately 550 troops and over 130 pieces of military equipment to Orenburg, Russia. SCO member states will conduct training from the 11th to the 25th focusing on encirclement and annihilation of terrorist groups, separation of terrorists, and defense against drone attacks.

Chinese military experts have emphasized that the two exercises are aimed at safeguarding regional peace and security amid the spread of terrorism risks following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. There are concerns both inside and outside China that Afghanistan could become a stronghold for terrorist groups after the Taliban took control. Above all, there is considerable unease within the Chinese leadership as terrorist groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) may support independence movements in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Previously, China conducted the "Western Joint 2021 Exercise" with the Russian military. The exercise, held at the Qingtongxia Joint Tactical Training Base in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, involved about 10,000 troops from China and Russia. While the Sino-Russian joint military exercise is interpreted as a response to the United States, it also serves as preparation for potential sudden situations in Afghanistan and changes in the Middle East.

Chinese military expert Wei Dongxu told Global Times in an interview, "The irresponsible withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan has increased anxiety among neighboring countries and regions regarding extremist groups," adding, "China's multinational joint military exercise will contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability."

There are voices both inside and outside China expressing concern about the expanding operational scope of the Chinese military, as it is highly likely that China will continue to expand joint exercises with neighboring countries that share interests under the pretext of counter-terrorism.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.