Exercises Military Diplomacy

China-Belarus "Divine Eagle-2026" Airborne Joint Training Opens

中白“神鹰-2026”空降兵联合训练开幕

PLA Daily (解放军报) 12 August 2026

Summary

The fourth iteration of the China-Belarus 'Divine Eagle' series opened August 12 at a PLA Air Force training center in Wuhan, with airborne forces from both countries conducting joint urban counterterrorism drills focused on reconnaissance, seizure and control, and 清剿与固守 (clearance operations versus consolidation of positions); the opening day included a Chinese weapons and equipment demonstration and hands-on disassembly and reassembly practice for Belarusian participants. The exercise documents a recurring bilateral military training relationship now in its fourth cycle, with the counterterrorism framing consistent across the series rather than marking a new operational focus. What remains unknown is the scale of participating forces and whether the Wuhan venue is the same Air Force training center used in prior iterations.

Translation

Xinhua News Agency, Wuhan, August 12 (Gao Yujiao, Li Dongdong) — The opening ceremony of the China-Belarus "Divine Eagle-2026" airborne joint training was held on the 12th at an Air Force training center in China.

This joint training exercise takes joint urban counterterrorism operations as its subject, and primarily conducts drills in reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance, seizure and control versus defense, and clearance operations versus consolidation of positions (清剿与固守). It is aimed at improving joint operational capabilities in executing counterterrorism missions and playing a positive role in safeguarding regional peace and stability.

On August 12, the opening ceremony of the China-Belarus "Divine Eagle-2026" airborne joint training was held at an Air Force training center in China. (Xinhua photo by Wang Baoqiang)

In addition, the two sides will also organize thematic seminars, a friendly football match, and cultural exchange activities during the joint training.

This is the 4th "Divine Eagle" series joint training exercise held between China and Belarus, and it will help further enhance the combat effectiveness of the participating forces and deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries.

On August 12, the opening ceremony of the China-Belarus "Divine Eagle-2026" airborne joint training was held at an Air Force training center in China. Following the ceremony, the Chinese side demonstrated certain weapons and equipment to the Belarusian participating officers and soldiers, and the Belarusian participating officers and soldiers conducted hands-on practice in weapons disassembly and reassembly. (Xinhua photo by Xing Kangkai)

On August 12, the opening ceremony of the China-Belarus "Divine Eagle-2026" airborne joint training was held at an Air Force training center in China. (Xinhua photo by Jin Jikun)

On August 12, the opening ceremony of the China-Belarus "Divine Eagle-2026" airborne joint training was held at an Air Force training center in China. (Xinhua photo by Xing Kangkai)

Original Chinese

新华社武汉8月12日电（高玉娇、李冬冬）中国与白俄罗斯“神鹰-2026”空降兵联合训练12日在中国空军某训练中心举行开幕仪式。这次联训以联合城镇反恐行动为课题，主要开展侦察与反侦察、夺控与防卫、清剿与固守等演练，旨在提高遂行反恐任务的联合行动能力，为维护地区和平稳定发挥积极作用。 8月12日，中国与白俄罗斯“神鹰-2026”空降兵联合训练在中国空军某训练中心举行开幕仪式。新华社发（王宝强摄）此外，双方还将在联训期间组织专题研讨、足球友谊赛、文化交流等活动。这是中国和白俄罗斯举行的第4次“神鹰”系列联训，有助于进一步提升参训部队实战能力、深化两军务实合作。 8月12日，中国与白俄罗斯“神鹰-2026”空降兵联合训练在中国空军某训练中心举行开幕仪式。这是仪式后，中方向白方参训官兵展示部分武器装备，白俄罗斯参训官兵对武器分解结合进行实操。新华社发（邢康凯摄） 8月12日，中国与白俄罗斯“神鹰-2026”空降兵联合训练在中国空军某训练中心举行开幕仪式。新华社发（靳吉坤摄） 8月12日，中国与白俄罗斯“神鹰-2026”空降兵联合训练在中国空军某训练中心举行开幕仪式。新华社发（邢康凯摄）