China and Belarus started joint military exercises near the Polish and Ukrainian borders, raising concerns across Europe. The drills, called “Eagle Assault,” are occurring near Brest, Belarus, directly on the Polish border and just 30 miles from Ukraine’s northern frontier.
The Belarusian Defense Ministry confirmed the arrival of Chinese military personnel, marking the first time China has participated in training exercises on Belarusian soil since 2018. These anti-terrorism training exercises are scheduled to continue through mid-July.
The timing coincides with a NATO summit in Washington, heightening the stakes in an already tense geopolitical environment. These drills signal strengthening military ties between China, Belarus and Russia. They also follow Belarus becoming the 10th full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a bloc seen as a counterbalance to Western alliances supporting Ukraine.
Belarus’ ongoing support for Russia, especially evident since the Ukrainian conflict began in 2022, complicates the situation further. Belarus has assisted Russia logistically and hosted Russian nuclear assets, increasing concerns for NATO and its EU neighbors.
The strategic location of the drills near Poland, a strong supporter of Ukraine, adds a layer of provocation. These exercises are aimed not only at enhancing military capabilities but also at demonstrating power.
Moreover, these events take place amid allegations that Belarus has weaponized migration against Poland, intensifying tensions and underscoring the challenges on Europe’s eastern front.
