China, UAE Conduct Joint Military Drills Over Uyghur “Detention Camps”

China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have kicked off the second edition of their joint military drills, dubbed “Falcon Shield-2024”, in China’s northwestern Xinjiang province, The EurAsian Times reported yesterday.

The air force exercises, which began in late June, are expected to continue until late July.

According to China’s Defense Ministry, the drills aim to “enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation, improve strategic cooperation, and achieve common goals and expectations of both sides.” However, the choice of Xinjiang as the location has drawn attention, as the region is home to China’s Uyghur Muslim minority population.

China has faced international criticism over its treatment of the Uyghurs, with accusations of human rights abuses and the establishment of detention camps in Xinjiang. The UAE, on the other hand, has publicly supported China’s policies in the region.

The Falcon Shield drills are the latest example of the growing military cooperation between China and the UAE. The two countries have been strengthening their economic and defense ties in recent years, with the UAE purchasing Chinese military equipment such as the L-15 trainer aircraft and the Wing Loong drones.