Russia launched a week of massive military exercises in the far east of the country on September 11. This year’s military drills, widely known as “war games,” are the biggest large-scale exercises since 1981 when the Cold War threatened international relations. Military experts describe “Vostok-2018” military exercises as a logical continuation of the USSR’s Zapad-81 military drill.  

 

According to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, more than 300,000 Russian troops are expected to take part in “Vostok 2018” war games. In addition, up to 36,000 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, over 1,000 aircraft, helicopters and drones and 80 ships will be involved in the exercises. 

 

China and Russia are two giant actors with their largest military power in the Eurasian region. Their involvement in such large-scale military drills actually means the formation of a new political-military alliance in the region. The fact that Russia and China are involved in joint military exercises, and even Putin's invitation to Turkey to these exercises, is an effective response to the US, which has recently imposed sanctions on both sides.

 

It should be noted that Mongolia’s participation in the military drills is also important for the regional powers in terms of its geopolitical position. Taking into account that Mongolia looks like buffer zone between the two countries, it seems this year’s exercise is a hint of the new military alliance. 

 

Russia's large-scale military exercises, China's involvement and NATO-led military exercises in the coming months tell us that the world is on the verge of a major military confrontation. 

 

The strategic goal of the exercises is to mobilize Russian armed forces quickly in a global conflict. Another strategic aim is to encourage China to cooperate with Russia. 

 

However, both countries have faced the same problems. These problems are the potential threats to the union. But if the US continues its pressure on China and Turkey, it is possible to predict that a very strong military-political alliance will be established in Eurasia.

 

Nijat Ismayilov

EurasiaDiary © Must be hyperlinked when used.

Follow us:
Twitter: @Eurasia_Eng
Facebook: EurasiaEng