China and Belarus are conducting military exercises in response to NATO's growing interest in the Asia-Pacific region, signaling China's increasing involvement in Europe. The drills, named 'Eagle Assault 2024,' aim to enhance military interoperability and reflect deepening ties between the two nations. The exercises coincide with a NATO summit involving Japan and South Korea, highlighting China's objection to NATO's expanding influence. Experts suggest that China's collaboration with Belarus marks a shift in its foreign policy, focusing more on Eastern Europe. The article also discusses China's broader strategy of forming coalitions with U.S. competitors and adversaries, as well as its support for Russia's actions in Ukraine.

As Taiwan prepares for its Han Kuang military exercises, a Chinese drone was detected circling the island, marking the sixth such incident since 2023. The increasing role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare is prompting the US, China, and Taiwan to enhance their drone technology. The US has launched the $1 billion Replicator Initiative to create thousands of drones by 2025, aiming to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. China, the world's largest commercial drone manufacturer, is also expanding its military drone capabilities, bolstered by Xi Jinping's focus on technology and modernization. Taiwan, with US support, is developing its own drone warfare capabilities, including a recent $360 million US pledge to sell attack drones to Taiwan. The Taiwan Ministry of Defense is emphasizing anti-drone capabilities in response to multiple Chinese drone intrusions.

With the new school year beginning, some students are opting to study abroad to experience different cultures. While some American students are studying in China, their numbers are significantly lower compared to Chinese students attending American universities. Katherine Michaelson explores the potential issues arising from this imbalance.