In a move that has sparked concerns among European leaders, China has been strengthening its military ties with Russia and its closest ally, Belarus. Joint military exercises between Chinese and Belarusian forces, known as the "Eagle Assault" anti-terrorist program, have raised eyebrows in Europe, particularly in neighboring Poland.

The exercises took place in the city of Brest, just 5km (3 miles) from the Polish border. The presence of People's Liberation Army soldiers in full combat gear, along with tanks and Belarusian soldiers, served as a symbolic gesture. While the exercises themselves pose no immediate threat, they highlight China's increasing military cooperation with Europe's adversaries.

Belarus, known for its close alliance with Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, has also developed close ties with China and recently joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The images of the joint exercises posted by the Belarusian and Chinese defense ministries have further fueled concerns about an emerging Eurasian axis.

These concerns were echoed at the recent NATO summit, where the alliance stated that China has become a decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine through its support and large-scale assistance to Russia's defense industry. European Union officials, who have been lobbying China to use its influence on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to help end the war, now fear that China's support for Moscow is growing stronger.

A recent report by the Mercator Institute for China Studies, a German think tank, called for an overhaul of Europe's relations with China due to its ties with Russia. The report suggests that China should be seen not only as an economic competitor and systemic rival, but also as a security threat to Europe. The researchers found that China is exporting significant amounts of dual-use products to Russia, which are identified as high priority items for weapons production.

The increasing support from China to Russia has led to a hardening stance towards China in Brussels and other European capitals. Some European officials are now considering blacklisting Chinese companies that are believed to be aiding Russia's war efforts. The European Commission is also contemplating more aggressive actions to address trade imbalances with China, potentially leading to a trade war.

The situation was further complicated when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban embarked on a "peace mission," visiting Ukraine, Russia, and China. Orban's actions have divided Europe and may have consequences for Hungary, including a possible boycott of an informal European Council summit.

The evolving military ties between China, Russia, and Belarus have raised concerns among European leaders. As China strengthens its support for Moscow, Europe is reevaluating its relationship with the world's second-largest market. With the potential security threat growing, the European Union is considering a reconfiguration of its approach towards China and a comprehensive assessment of Beijing's intentions.