In the current global context, military-technical cooperation between countries has become a significant element of geopolitical maneuvering. Among the most noteworthy partnerships raising international concern is the collaboration between China and Russia, which has been intensifying. According to various sources, Beijing is not only providing substantial support to Moscow in enhancing its military capabilities but is also receiving access to advanced Russian military technologies that were previously closely guarded.
China and Russia: Mutual Exchange of Military Technologies
According to Politico, citing U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Beijing is offering Moscow direct assistance that goes beyond dual-use technologies. Previously, Washington had only indicated the possibility of technology transfers that could be used for both civilian and military purposes. However, the U.S. now asserts that China is providing direct support to Russia’s military infrastructure. In exchange, Russia is sharing with China advanced submarine and missile technologies that it was previously reluctant to disclose.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that China is actively working to support and modernize Russian military capabilities, aiming to diversify and enhance its military potential. Despite this, official Beijing continues to deny involvement in supporting Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine, emphasizing its neutrality in the conflict.
Iran: An Additional Source of Military Support for Russia
In addition to Chinese assistance, Russia is also receiving significant support from Iran. According to Defense Express editor Oleg Katkov, Tehran has likely supplied Russia with more than 200 short-range missiles. These may include Arman and Ababil missiles, which have a range similar to Himars systems and can reach targets up to 80 km away. This cooperation between the two nations raises concerns among the international community, as it enhances Russia’s ability to strike Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets.
Chinese Components in the Production of Russian Drones
Another crucial issue is the use of Chinese components in the production of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Reuters reports that Russia has started producing a new long-range strike drone, the “Garpia-A1”, which is equipped with Chinese engines and other components. Production of these drones began at the “Kupol” plant in July 2023, with over 2,500 units produced since then. This new drone is already being used in Ukraine, targeting both military and civilian objects and causing damage to critical infrastructure and civilian casualties.
Samuel Bendett from the Center for a New American Security highlights that the development of the “Garpia” could signal Russia’s intention to reduce its reliance on Iranian drone technology. This trend underscores the increasing integration of Chinese technologies into Russian defense production, opening new avenues for their cooperation.
Conclusion
The growing military-technical cooperation between Russia and China, along with Iran’s involvement as an additional arms supplier, indicates global shifts in the balance of power. The support provided by countries like China and Iran significantly complicates the situation on the ground, enhancing Russia’s military capabilities and allowing it to continue its aggression against Ukraine.
For further insight into the situation, we recommend reading our article Russia and China: The Development of Military Cooperation Amidst the War in Ukraine, which provides a detailed analysis of China’s role in supporting Russian military efforts.