There are a few more details on China's using the Shanghai Cooperation Organization exercises in Kazakhstan to practice cross-border bombing raids. China Defense Blog, which flagged the story, titled its post "Bombing a 'foreign nation' -- in a integrated air battle group.... oh my," which is probably the reaction to many China watchers seeing this:
Six warplanes took off from within China and launched long-distance "sudden attacks" in neighboring Kazakhstan in the on-going anti-terror drill of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, said a Chinese general on Monday.
The simulated cross-border strikes were the first by the Chinese Air Force, according to Major General Meng Guoping, deputy commander of the Chinese military participating in the drill.
The six warplanes -- four H-6H bombers and two J-10 fighter jets -- were split into two missions. They were supported by an air early warning aircraft and were refueled by a flying tanker before they crossed the border into Kazakhstan, said the general.
Although the drill venue is within the range of both warplanes, they were refueled in the air to ensure a complete success of their missions, said General Meng.
Meng said by carrying out such a move in the war games, the Chinese Air Force is trying to build an integrated air battle group encompassing early warning, command, long-distance bombing, escort and air refueling.
He said the exercises are also taken as an opportunity to strengthen the air fight and support capabilities of the Chinese Air Force.
Noticeably missing there is any notion of "cooperation," which is ostensibly one of the foundations of the SCO. What are the other SCO members doing while China is organizing these air strikes?
Meanwhile, Russian commentator Ilya Kramnik highlights the exercise's role in promoting the use of Russian weapons:
Military cooperation among SCO member-states does not boil down to the struggle against terrorism and separatism. Multilateral defense sector and technological cooperation also plays a highly important role.
SCO countries actively use Russian-made weapons to a varying extent. Cooperation on arms deliveries and developing up-to-date combat and police systems is very important in facilitating SCO member-states' security.
So, China is using Central Asia for target practice, and Russia for a weapons show. Cooperation, indeed!
Joshua Kucera, a senior correspondent, is Eurasianet's former Turkey/Caucasus editor and has written for the site since 2007.
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