The United States has warned that Beijing is providing “very substantial” assistance to Moscow in strengthening its war machine and, in exchange, Russia is handing over its tightly guarded submarine and missile military technology.
According to a report by Politico Europe, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Tuesday (September 10) that the deepening sharing of military technologies such as stealth and surveillance between Russia and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will have “negative and concerning effects” on the security of the United States and its allies.
Campbell, who is on a visit to Belgium, the UK, Lithuania, and Iceland from September 9 to 13, made the remarks after meeting with EU and NATO counterparts in Brussels.
Previously, the United States focused mainly on Beijing providing what are known as dual-use goods to Russia. Now, Washington explicitly states that the CCP authorities are assisting the Russian military. Facing international sanctions in Moscow, Russia urgently needs technology to enhance its military production to continue its war in Ukraine.
The CCP authorities had previously issued statements denying providing weapons used to attack Ukraine to Russia and insisted on maintaining a “neutral stance” in the conflict.
Politico reported that Campbell, when talking about the latest supplies provided by the CCP to Russia, said, “These (supplies) are not meant for dual use, they are essentially being directly applied to Russia’s war machine.”
Campbell stated that military cooperation between China and Russia could enhance the military capabilities and deployments of the CCP in the Western Pacific.
Historically, Russia has maintained a cautious attitude in its cooperation with the CCP in military technology and sought to protect its intellectual property. Russia also worries that if cooperation with the CCP in military technology becomes too close, it may help this neighboring country develop a strong army, posing a potential threat to Russia’s security.
However, in exchange for Beijing’s assistance, Russia has begun to provide submarines, missiles, and other sensitive technology to the CCP.
Campbell also confirmed this, saying, “We are concerned about certain specific military areas where Russia seems determined to provide more support to China (CCP).”
Campbell believes that “if China (CCP) can get more involvement from Russia in improving certain military capabilities,” then the new technology Beijing is acquiring will not only pose a threat to the United States but also to countries like India, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
China and Russia are also deepening their military cooperation through large-scale joint naval and air force exercises. On Tuesday, Russia announced the start of a week-long naval exercise. Russia stated that four Chinese warships will participate in the exercises in the Sea of Japan.
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense stated that the joint China-Russia naval and air exercises aim to “enhance the ability to jointly counter security threats.”