China and Russia are openly displaying their strengthened military ties as a counterweight to the U.S. These activities will not only heighten tensions between the two sides, but also deeply affect the security environment of Northeast Asia. These developments should raise alarms.
Chinese forces recently participated in Russian-hosted large-scale military exercises for the second year in a row. China sent 1,600 service members, along with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, according to Chinese media. The drills in southwestern Russia ran for six days, ending Sept. 21.