Russia has launched large-scale military high schools with the participation of, among others, China

Russia began large-scale military exercises today with the participation of several allied countries, including China, in a sign of a growing rapprochement between Moscow and Beijing amid tensions with the United States.

The high schools, branded Vostok 2022, are being held until September 7 in the Russian Far East and while Moscow has launched a massive offensive against Ukraine since February.

China, for its part, is going through a diplomatic crisis with the United States after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last month.

The Vostok 2022 exercises began this morning with fighter jet maneuvers, anti-aircraft unit movements and mine-laying simulations in the Sea of ​​Japan, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

“Air Force crews should be trained to intercept aerial targets (…) and conduct airstrikes against ground targets,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

It released photos and videos showing mostly military planes taking off and flying in formation, as well as Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft vehicles while performing military maneuvers.

According to Moscow, at least 50,000 soldiers, more than 5,000 pieces of armaments and military equipment, including 140 aircraft and 60 warships and support vessels will take part in the gymnasiums.

Soldiers from several countries neighboring or allied to Russia, such as Belarus, Syria, India, but especially China, participate in them.

Washington has often raised concerns about a rapprochement between China and Russia, which maintain close defense ties, saying it poses a threat to global security.

Confirming in mid-August its participation in the high schools, China had said that its presence had “nothing to do with the current situation at the regional and international level”.

Source: AMPE