Der Spiegel has published an investigation suggesting that military cooperation between China and Russia extends far beyond the supply of dual-use goods. According to the report, the two countries have expanded their partnership to include joint defense projects, technology transfers, battlefield data sharing, and the testing of advanced military systems.
Details
The magazine says the partnership benefits both sides. Russia receives Chinese electronics, semiconductors, and advanced technologies, while China gains access to real-world combat experience from Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to the report, Beijing could use these lessons to improve its military capabilities in the event of a future conflict over Taiwan.
Der Spiegel cites documents prepared for the China–Russia Military-Technical Cooperation Forum held in Guangzhou in November 2023, along with records of bilateral talks that took place in Moscow earlier that year. The documents indicate discussions on cooperation in several areas, including:
- air and missile defense;
- military aviation;
- armored vehicles;
- space-based weapons;
- artificial intelligence;
- autonomous strike systems.
One major area of cooperation reportedly focused on countering Starlink, the satellite communications network widely used by Ukraine. According to the documents, Moscow and Beijing discussed diplomatic efforts to limit the system’s expansion as well as technical methods such as exploiting software vulnerabilities and infecting terminals with malicious code. Direct attacks on satellites were also reportedly considered, although China opposed that option due to the potential risk to its own satellite network.
The investigation also describes work on a next-generation air and missile defense system capable of intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles at distances of up to 4,000 kilometers and engaging hypersonic targets at altitudes of up to 40 kilometers.
According to Der Spiegel, China supplied Russia with microchips and electronic components needed to develop new autonomous weapons, while Moscow provided Beijing with raw materials and components that have become difficult to obtain because of Western sanctions.
In the field of unmanned systems, Russia reportedly shared battlefield data from drone operations in Ukraine, allowing Chinese developers to improve artificial intelligence technologies and drone swarm capabilities.
European intelligence agencies have also concluded that Russian troops received training on Chinese-made drone systems. According to the report, training took place at six facilities in China, and at least 200 Russian servicemen later deployed to Ukraine after completing the program. Several senior officers from China’s People’s Liberation Army were also reportedly sent to observe combat operations near the front line.
The investigation further claims that Moscow and Beijing discussed potential scenarios involving attacks on Western critical infrastructure, highlighting what it describes as an unprecedented level of strategic military cooperation.
International response
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the reported level of Chinese support for Russia as deeply concerning, warning that any assistance to Russia’s war against Ukraine undermines European security and violates international law.
China’s embassy in Berlin rejected the allegations, calling them groundless and describing the report as slander. Chinese officials reiterated that Beijing supports a political settlement to the conflict.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also said the Alliance is closely monitoring China’s support for Russia, noting that Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly coordinating their actions and strengthening military cooperation.
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