Peace Mission 2005
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Peace Mission 2005 is the first ever joint military exercise between Russia and China. The exercise started on August 19, 2005, and consists of combined land, sea, and air elements simulating an intervention in a state besieged by terrorists or political turmoil. The force is practicing air and naval blockades, an amphibious assault, and occupying a region. Approximately 8,000 Chinese troops are taking part along with 2,000 Russians. China initially wanted to hold the exercise near the Taiwan Straits, Russia wanted to hold the exercise in Northwestern China near central Asia, but instead settlement was made on the Shandong Peninsula.
There are a number of reasons for the exercise including:
- China is the largest consumer of Russian military technology. The exercise will showcase the Russian weapons including the Tu-22M Backfire and Tu-95 Bear long range bombers.
- The two countries are by far the most influential in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the exercise will help to strengthen military ties.
- Both parties have stated that the exercise is not directed at any one country, but it is widely believed to be a show of force against the United States and particularly Taiwan.
The United States was not invited to observe the exercise, but will observe using satellite reconnaissance. The stated reason for the exercise is counter-terrorism, however many analysists agree that the use of such heavy firepower, including long range bombers, is not necessary.
