China-Russia Test Interoperability in Military Drills

The recent joint exercises between China and Russia aimed to improve interoperability between the militaries of the two countries, key to deploying their forces when they face an adversary together.

Held from 9-13 August in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the exercise code-named ZAPAD/INTERACTION-2021 concluded with great success and achieved the targets of deepening China-Russia strategic mutual trust, strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, and unleashing their combat capabilities, said Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense.

For the first time, the Russian military was invited to China on a large scale to participate in a strategic campaign exercise organized by the Chinese side, Tan said.

During the exercise, the Chinese and Russian troops were mixed into groups, made exercise plans together and carried out joint operations on the same battlefield.

A command information system specially designed for the two militaries was applied during the drill and the participating troops were able to carry out effective coordination thanks to the information system, the spokesperson told a press conference on Thursday.

Tan said the military exercise demonstrates the determination and ability of both sides to jointly deal with security threats, and safeguard regional security and stability.

In the future, Tan said the two militaries will enhance strategic communication and practical cooperation, and continue exploring new models of international military cooperation, so as to add new dimensions to the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.