Belarus and China have embarked on joint military drills, called Eagle Assault 2024, signifying a strengthening of ties between the two nations. The 11-day exercise will involve training in night landings, overcoming water obstacles, and urban combat drills. This collaboration comes as Belarus recently joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), becoming the 10th member of the Eurasian political, economic, and defense organization.

The SCO, led by Russia and China, was initially established to address border disputes among its original members. However, joint security concerns have since taken center stage, leading to regular participation in anti-terrorism exercises. Although the SCO does not offer financial or economic support to its members, it serves as a platform for negotiations and talks.

Experts speculate on the reasons behind Belarus' decision to join the SCO. Some argue that Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko's pursuit of alternative markets following sanctions and economic challenges prompted this move. The nation's reliance on Russia for trade has decreased, with Lukashenko seeking partnerships with Asian countries, particularly China. Joining the SCO could potentially boost Belarus' chances of becoming a member of BRICS, a grouping that aims to challenge the highly industrialized G7 countries.

By participating in joint military drills and further aligning with China and other SCO members, Belarus aims to reduce its dependence on Russia. China ranks as Belarus' second-most important trading partner, with approximately 10% of Belarusian trade going to China. The country heavily relies on Chinese machinery, cars, and consumer goods, while exporting potassium fertilizer and food products to China.

The current joint military exercises with China, conducted near Belarus' southwest border with Poland and Ukraine, are not the first collaboration between the two nations. Similar drills occurred in China's Jinan city in 2018. However, Belarus' recent SCO membership is not directly linked to these military exercises.

Experts highlight that the military exercises may raise tensions with neighboring countries. While Belarus had maintained a dialogue with NATO and invited observers to its maneuvers before the protests began in 2020, the current drills in Belarus may raise concerns in Russia. Russia may view China's involvement in drills within what it considers its sphere of influence as a challenge.

Overall, the joint military drills and Belarus' SCO membership signify the deepening relationship between Belarus and China. These collaborations open doors for economic diversification and provide Belarus with a platform to engage with other SCO member states. As Belarus seeks to redefine its international standing and reduce reliance on Russia, alliances with China and other Asian partners appear crucial for its future growth and stability in an evolving geopolitical landscape.