China and UAE to Host First-Ever Joint Military Drills
Falcon Shield 2023 Tests
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August 04, 2023
In a move that has caught the attention of geopolitical strategists worldwide, the Chinese armed forces are preparing to hold their first-ever military drills with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in China later this month. This development comes at a time when both Washington and Beijing are actively seeking to extend their influence across the Gulf.
Designated 'Falcon Shield 2023', the drills will feature joint air force training between the two countries and are set to take place in Xinjiang, northwest China. A statement released by the Chinese Ministry of defense on Monday confirmed the location, noting that the exercise was "according to the annual plan and the consensus reached by China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)."
Although the statement was light on specifics, it emphasized that the training aims to deepen pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries and to enhance mutual understanding and trust.
Whether this joint venture is a signal to Washington or merely a practical step in defense cooperation remains unclear. However, the defense rapprochement between UAE and China has been increasingly visible in recent years. This trend has been particularly evident in Gulf defense shows, where Chinese firms have not only showcased their defense platforms but have also contributed to research and development of defense systems co-developed by the two countries.
This collaboration is made possible through the China-Emirates Science and Technology innovation laboratory (CEST), a joint venture between UAE's International Golden Group and China's Norinco.
At the UMEX 2022, UAE's Unmanned System Exhibition and conference, the Gulf nation took their relationship a step further, signing an agreement to procure 12 L-15 trainer jets from China's National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation, with the possibility of the order expanding to 36 units.
Mohammed Baharoon, general director of B'huth, a Dubai-based public policy research center, regards these drills as part of the UAE's strategic partnership with China. He downplayed their broader geostrategic significance, asserting that the exercises do not necessarily signal a shift in UAE's alliances.
Yet, many analysts argue that, despite this strategic move, Beijing does not currently present a viable alternative security partner for the region.