Russia May Be Helping China Prepare for War Over Taiwan — The Economist
Russia is likely assisting China in training its military personnel, as well as providing Beijing with intelligence and advanced military technology, which could give China an advantage in the event of a potential conflict over Taiwan.
According to the publication, since 2024, Chinese military personnel have been undergoing training in the use of drones and urban warfare at a Russian military training ground near Volgograd. This facility is regularly used by the Russian Federation’s 8th Army, which is one of Moscow’s key forces in the war against Ukraine on the eastern front.
For China, such cooperation helps compensate for its lack of modern combat experience. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has not participated in major armed conflicts since the brief border war with Vietnam in 1979, so Beijing is seeking to gain practical knowledge of modern methods of warfare.
According to The Economist, China has also gained broader access to Russian military technologies that the Kremlin had previously been reluctant to share. U.S. and European officials speculate that this involves, in particular, the development of Chinese air defense and missile defense systems, as well as assistance in building low-noise nuclear submarines.
Beijing views its submarine fleet as one of the key elements of a potential military scenario involving Taiwan. In the event of U.S. intervention, such a conflict could escalate into a broader confrontation.
Military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is also actively developing in the field of unmanned technologies. On July 6, Russia and China began joint naval exercises off the eastern coast of China. Eight surface ships, two submarines, as well as naval and aerial drones participated in the maneuvers.
During the exercises, the forces practiced anti-submarine operations, air and missile defense, and the use of unmanned systems. According to the publication, these were the first joint exercises between Russia and China that were simultaneously dedicated to both the use of drones and countering them.
China is particularly interested in Russia’s experience in the Black Sea, where Moscow is countering Ukrainian maritime drones.
The West is also closely monitoring the two countries’ cooperation in the field of underwater technology. The head of U.S. Naval Intelligence, Rear Admiral Michael Brooks, stated that by 2035, China could have about 80 submarines, half of which will be nuclear-powered. According to him, new models may feature improvements in reactor design, sensor performance, weapons integration, and noise-reduction technologies.
At the same time, Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, had previously warned that Russia could potentially assist China specifically in developing submarine noise-reduction technologies and other areas where Moscow still holds an advantage, according to The Economist.
As a reminder, Xi Jinping made a sensational statement regarding the seizure of Taiwan.
China has rejected accusations that it is training Russian military personnel.
Earlier, China responded to the strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
