On Monday, Belarus and China initiated an extensive anti-terrorism military exercise, Eagle Assault 2024, which is set to span 11 days. The exercise will involve troops engaging in night landings, navigating water obstacles, and conducting urban combat drills. This marks a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations, especially following Belarus' recent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Belarus became the 10th member of the SCO earlier this month, joining a Eurasian political, economic, and defense coalition led by Russia and China. The organization, which originally included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, has expanded to incorporate India, Pakistan, and Iran. The SCO was initially established to resolve border disputes among the founding members, but its focus has since broadened to address joint security concerns, with member states frequently participating in anti-terrorism exercises.

Experts in the region are analyzing the implications of Belarus' SCO membership and its joint military drills with China. These developments could potentially influence regional security dynamics and underscore the growing importance of collaborative efforts in combating terrorism.