In a move to strengthen its alliances and explore new markets, Belarus recently joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and is currently engaged in joint military drills with China. The 11-day exercise, named Eagle Assault 2024, focuses on various military tactics including night landings, water obstacles, and urban combat drills.

The SCO, a Eurasian political, economic, and defense organization led by Russia and China, admitted Belarus as its 10th member. Originally established to address border disputes among its founding members, the SCO now emphasizes joint security efforts, with regular participation in anti-terrorism exercises.

Experts in the region suggest that although the SCO does not offer financial or economic support, it serves as a platform for negotiation and dialogue between member states. Belarus, already having ties with China and India prior to joining the organization, aims to diversify its markets due to recent sanctions imposed on the country. These sanctions, coupled with the shrinkage of its economy, have prompted Belarus to seek alternatives to its reliance on Russia.

Anastasia Luzgina, a researcher at the Belarusian Economic Research and Outreach Center (BEROC), explains that Belarus is searching for other markets outside of Russia, including Asian partners such as China. This strategic alignment with the SCO membership aligns with Belarus' goals. Additionally, experts suggest that Belarus' membership in the SCO could increase its chances of joining the BRICS group, which aims to challenge the influence of highly industrialized nations.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has faced criticism for his authoritarian rule, is pursuing closer ties with China to reduce dependence on Russia. Lukashenko believes that supporting Russia, China, or India will yield favorable results for Belarus. Currently, China ranks as Belarus' second-most important trading partner after Russia, with approximately 10% of Belarusian trade directed towards China.

The joint military drills between China and Belarus are not a result of Belarus' SCO membership but rather a continuation of their previous cooperation. In 2018, the two nations conducted military exercises in China's northeastern city of Jinan. The current drills take place near the Polish border, raising tensions in the region.

While Belarus had previously maintained a dialogue with NATO and invited observers to its maneuvers, the current exercises are more likely to draw attention from Russia. Chinese involvement within what Russia considers its sphere of influence may challenge Russian influence in the area. Experts view these exercises as evidence of the growing Belarusian-Chinese relations across multiple domains.

Belarus' SCO membership and joint military drills with China signify the country's efforts to diversify its markets, reduce dependence on Russia, and strengthen its ties with China. As Belarus adapts to new economic realities, its strategic partnerships and alliances continue to evolve, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the Eurasian region.