China and UAE hold military drills to strengthen their defense partnership

China and the United Arab Emirates recently began joint air force exercises in northwestern China's Xinjiang province Called Falcon Shield this is the second such drill between the two countries after one held last year. The training involves officers and soldiers from both militaries and will continue until late July These drills aim to boost practical cooperation between the Chinese and Emirati air forces.

The joint exercises highlight the growing defense ties between China and the UAE Earlier this year senior security officials from both sides met in Beijing to discuss strengthening military collaboration The UAE also purchased light attack planes from China in 2022 UAE President Sheikh Mohammed visited China in May and both nations agreed to conduct more joint maneuvers in the future. However the US has raised concerns about China setting up a military base in the UAE.  

Energy cooperation is another key part of the China UAE partnership The Gulf nation exported billions of dollars worth of oil and gas to China last year. And liquefied natural gas has started being traded between them in Chinese currency instead of dollars. This helps China secure critical energy imports from the Middle East.

Geopolitically China backed the UAE in its islands dispute with Iran in 2022 This underscored Beijing desire to support the UAE, a vital economic and security partner in the region. However holding drills in Xinjiang is contentious as the region sees widespread criticism of China's policies towards Uyghur Muslims.

Overall the Falcon Shield exercise reflects both countries mutual interest in bolstering defense ties to achieve their national priorities and international strategies It is a part of China and the UAE strengthening their multifaceted relationship.