The Individuals’s Liberation Military of China will take part in Russia’s coming Vostok (“East”) army workout routines, China’s Protection Ministry mentioned final week. The choice is “unrelated to the present worldwide and regional state of affairs,” in line with Beijing. (India additionally will take part, additional evincing New Delhi’s lack of curiosity in reciprocating U.S. assist for its pursuits.)

An necessary query follows: Will Europe reply to Beijing’s becoming a member of the workout routines, which run from Aug. 30 to Sept 5, on the similar time that Russia’s army is rampaging by means of Ukraine? It bears asking as a result of European relations with China are at a essential level.