According to a CNN report following Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s discussions with US allies, “China continues to steer clear of providing Russia with lethal weaponry, which the US has warned against since the beginning of the Ukraine war, but in many cases, the inputs can be just as impactful as lethal weaponry.”
Beyond supplying components, there is growing evidence of tactical collaboration between Chinese and Russian defense industries. Reports suggest that Russia is sharing battlefield intelligence with China, potentially revealing vulnerabilities in Western weapons systems. This exchange of information is a concern for the U.S. and allied forces, as it may undermine the effectiveness of their military technology in future conflicts. The U.S. and European countries increasingly focus on tightening sanctions and monitoring Chinese companies involved in this indirect support.
Joint Military Exercises in Belarus: Why Is This Important?
On July 15, 2024, as China and Russia launched joint military exercises in the South China Sea, NATO leaders adopted a joint declaration labeling China a ‘decisive enabler’ of Russia’s war against Ukraine. This declaration came just as Chinese and Belarusian troops commenced their joint exercises near Brest on July 8, sending a clear message to NATO. The drills included anti-terror training, interpreted as a warning signal rather than just a routine exercise. This and the fact that such missions were rare and notable for their timing made the situation more alarming. It implied that China was prepared to directly support Russia and potentially challenge NATO.
The deputy head of the Belarusian Armed Forces claimed the maneuvers were a response to Western aggressive foreign policy and Ukrainian provocations, further escalating tensions. These coordinated military maneuvers underscore the PRC’s strategic objective to not only support Russia but also to challenge and threaten NATO’s presence and influence on its eastern flank.
As Beijing and Moscow strengthen their ties, the West faces an increasingly complex and dangerous geopolitical landscape where the traditional dominance of the United States and its allies is seriously threatened. NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg’s recent remarks reflect this heightened urgency, warning that the world has entered a new era of ‘enduring competition with China.’ Stoltenberg emphasized the interconnectedness of European and Asian security, underscoring NATO’s broader strategic focus. The alliance has also highlighted China’s growing role in supporting Russia’s war efforts, signaling a shift in NATO’s strategic posture towards greater vigilance in the Indo-Pacific region. Especially considering the fact that in the last week of July, extensive naval activities have unfolded in the Indo-Pacific, with over 18 Chinese and Russian Navy ships participating in joint exercises and patrols and the Shandong carrier group concluding a 10-day drill east of Taiwan, highlighting China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region. At the recent NATO Summit, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to countering these threats, strengthening cyber defenses, and enhancing collaboration with Indo-Pacific partners to address the challenges posed by China’s global ambitions. Following this summit, a new NATO plan has been revealed, with Germany preparing to mobilize 800,000 troops and massive logistical support through critical infrastructure in the event of a conflict with Russia. Readers can find a more detailed assessment of this plan and its implications further down in this article.
These events have significant implications. As China and Russia strengthen military ties, NATO’s actions—like bolstering its Eastern Flank and forming strategic Asian partnerships—reflect an escalating global power struggle beyond traditional boundaries.
Additionally, another concern is the potential transfer of battlefield innovations and lessons learned from Ukraine to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). U.S. officials worry that the PLA could adopt Russian military tactics and countermeasures, thereby enhancing its capabilities in a potential conflict with the U.S. or its allies in the Indo-Pacific region. This concern is heightened by the PLA’s involvement in joint exercises with Russia and Belarus, notably the Eagle Assault-2024 drill near Brest. Despite its “anti-terrorism label,” the exercise is perceived as a show of military strength and resolve against NATO, with tasks like hostage rescue masking its true purpose of demonstrating Chinese and Russian military capabilities.
