Only virtual Russian puppet states, like Belarus, have been invited. The South China Morning Post wrote that “the decision to include China in Vostok 2018 surprised some defense analysts because the drills had previously been off-limits to foreign armed forces—and in some cases included..…

President Trump authorized the economic penalties through order passed in response to Russian meddling in U.S election.. contract negotiated in 2017 with Russian arms Rosoboronexport, China accepted delivery of Russian Su-35 combat in 2017. ..…