This month, Russia will hold its largest war games since the Cold War. While the size and scope of the exercises have attracted international attention, so too has the participation of the People's Liberation Army of China. Officially, the PLA's inclusion is intended to allay suspicions in China that the games are aimed at it. At the same time, however, the two governments are signaling to the world that they are promoting deeper, more comprehensive military and security cooperation. This trend must be observed, but it is too early to be concerned.
Russia will carry out the Vostok-2018 exercises from Sept. 11 to 15 at its Tsugol training range in the Trans-Baikal region. The games will include nearly 300,000 troops and 1,000 aircraft from the Eastern and Central military districts, the Northern Fleet, airborne troops, long-range and military transport aircraft, and command centers.
Members of the Chinese and Mongolian armed forces will also participate. The PLA will send an estimated 3,200 troops — reportedly elite forces from the Northern Theater Command — as well as more than 900 pieces of weaponry along with 30 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The PLA contingent, the largest military delegation to ever join a foreign military exercise, will primarily practice mechanized defense, fire strikes, counterattacks and other training.