The Russia Vostok 2018 is a behemoth since about 300,000 troops, more than 1,000 planes, helicopters and drones, up to 80 combat and logistic ships and up to 36,000 tanks, armored personnel carriers and other vehicles participate. This has raised much concern about Russia's strategic intention and China's role in the Vostok 2018.

Pavel Felgenhauer, a military analyst, briefed Moscow's threat analysis and strategic intention. He pointed out that the Russian army buildup began about ten years ago, long before Trump became the US president and powerful politician TV star. This has no relevance to Trump.

He thought the Russian military's basic threat analysis supported and accepted by the Kremlin is that there is a growing threat of war. After the Crimea crisis, Moscow reshapes its assessment. Russia actively prepares for a confrontation and a possible military clashes between the Russian military and the US army in Syria. 

He said, "Basically, this is a volatile situation. But at the same time, the invitation of Chinese PLA is more likely to show Beijing that the war game doesn't against China."

On China's position between Russia and the US, Yang Xiyu, a senior fellow at China Institute of International Studies noted that taking sides doesn't meet national interests for either party. China and the US have been in the contradictions, and Russia and the US have been in disagreements. 

Both Moscow and Beijing carefully and thoughtfully believe taking sides between China and the US, or Russia and the US will not be its national interests. 

China believes we don`t want to take sides between Russia and the US. In his opinion, Russia and China, are facing the similar threats from the US, that's why they are the strategic partner. However, that's not the alliance.

(If you want to contribute and have a specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com)