The Pentagon planned to conduct joint training exercises with militaries from countries involved in coups or accused of human rights violations, but reversed course after facing scrutiny. The plans, disclosed to Congress, included partnerships with countries prohibited from receiving American security assistance. The Defense Department has since stated that at least six of the abusive militaries are no longer slated to participate in the exercises, but it remains unclear whether other countries facing similar restrictions will also be excluded. The about-face came after criticism from members of Biden's own party, who urged the administration to change course immediately. The Pentagon's practices have raised concerns about the U.S. partnering with countries accused of human rights abuses and undemocratic behavior.
China conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea while the US and Philippine navies carried out joint sea and air patrols. The Chinese navy announced no-entry zones near Hainan island for military training, while the US-Philippine joint patrol started in the Philippines' northernmost point and ended in the Philippine exclusive economic zone. The Chinese Southern Theatre Command criticized Manila for involving external forces in the disputed waters, but stated that the Yuncheng's mission was not in response to the joint patrol. The Philippines seeks closer ties with the US and has agreed to increase American military access to Philippine bases.
Troops from Southeast Asian countries have launched their first joint maritime exercises in Indonesia, highlighting ASEAN's unity amid escalating tensions over Beijing's claim to the South China Sea. This marks a significant step for the 10-country bloc, which has previously conducted drills with the U.S. and other partner countries.
Poland is planning to deploy additional troops to its eastern flank in response to reports of joint exercises between Wagner fighters and Belarusian troops near the Polish border, raising concerns about potential security risks.
The Egyptian army has announced that 177 soldiers who were stuck in Sudan have been evacuated to Cairo, while 27 air force personnel are in the care of the Egyptian embassy in Sudan. The soldiers were in Sudan for training according to a joint protocol between the two countries. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had detained 27 Egyptian air force personnel after storming Merowe air base in northern Sudan on Saturday. The handover of the troops took place with mediation from the United Arab Emirates.
China's military is willing to collaborate with the Russian military to enhance strategic communication and coordination, implement global security initiatives, deepen military trust, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice. The two countries will also organize joint maritime, air patrols, and exercises.
China and the US are increasingly relying on joint exercises with regional partners to deter the use of force. However, this strategy is creating more risks than during the Cold War, according to an analyst.
