China on Alert Over Afghanistan Crisis... Conducts First Multinational Counterterrorism Drill (Comprehensive)

Counterterrorism Drills with Pakistan, Mongolia, and Thailand
Growing Threat from Afghanistan as "Terror Group Stronghold"
Concerns Over Rapid Expansion of Chinese Military Activity Range

China will conduct a joint counter-terrorism drill involving military forces from Pakistan, Mongolia, and Thailand in Queshan, Henan Province, until the 15th to prepare for potential terrorist attacks by Islamic armed groups. This is the first time a multinational joint counter-terrorism exercise is held on mainland China. (Photo by China Military Online)

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Cho Young-shin, Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] China is conducting a counterterrorism joint exercise involving the Pakistani military and others. This is the first time China has held a multinational joint counterterrorism exercise within its own territory. Concerns are emerging that the operational scope of the Chinese military is expanding amid escalating US-China tensions.

According to Chinese media including China Central Television (CCTV) on the 7th, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China is conducting the "Joint 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, for 10 days. It appears that the three countries participating in the exercise are related to China's Belt and Road Initiative (land and maritime Silk Road) project.

Chinese media reported that the exercise will include counterterrorism-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."

[Image source=China Military Online]

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

Chinese military experts interpret these two exercises as efforts to protect regional peace and security, noting that the risk of terrorism has spread 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, the possibility that terrorist groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) might support the independence of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has raised significant anxiety within the Chinese leadership.

Previously, China conducted the "Western Union 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 joint China-Russia 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 situation.

Chinese military expert Wei Dongxu told Global Times in an interview, "The US irresponsibly withdrew from Afghanistan, increasing anxiety among neighboring countries and regions about 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 that the operational scope of the Chinese military is rapidly expanding, given the high likelihood that China will expand joint exercises with neighboring countries sharing interests under the banner of counterterrorism.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As China enhances its military response capabilities targeting the Afghan situation, suspicions of involvement by regional military powers surrounding Afghanistan, such as Pakistan and Iran, are also growing. Iran issued an unusual statement criticizing both the Taliban and Pakistan simultaneously and hinted at possible future military intervention, raising concerns that disputes among neighboring countries around Afghanistan may further escalate.

According to the Associated Press on the 6th (local time), Said Hatibzadeh, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference that "the Taliban's attack on Panjshir is condemnable," and suggested that Pakistan aided the Taliban's attack on Panjshir, criticizing both. He emphasized, targeting Pakistan, "We condemn all foreign interference in the Afghan issue."

Earlier, reports that the Taliban succeeded in capturing Panjshir with foreign support strongly raised suspicions of Pakistan's involvement. With the possibility of Iran's military intervention in Afghanistan anticipated, concerns are growing that the Afghan situation will further expand into the surrounding region.

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