Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently underscored the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, particularly in areas such as military satellites and other advanced defense technologies. In recent statements, Putin has emphasized the increasing strength of defense ties between the two allies and highlighted the significance of further developing these military collaborations. Noting that high-tech cooperation remains a top priority, Putin,[1] remarked during a speech:[2]
“I am referring to space, including high-orbit assets, and new potential types of weapons that will secure the strategic safety of both nations. Russia and China are not establishing military alliances based on Cold War models. These collaborations are a serious factor in stabilizing the international situation.”
Putin has previously stated that the two countries have shared highly sensitive military technologies, significantly enhancing China’s defense capabilities. The Russian leader also emphasized that his country assisted China in developing an early warning system for detecting ballistic missile launches in October 2019.[3]
In 2022, Beijing declared a “limitless” friendship with Moscow. China condemned Western sanctions imposed on Russia and accused NATO and the United States of “provoking” Russia. At the same time, Beijing sought to maintain a neutral stance regarding the Ukraine conflict. On the other hand, Russia frequently expressed its support for China on matters related to Taiwan.
President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have developed strong personal connections in order to establish a “strategic partnership” in response to the increasing tensions with the West. In March 2023, Xi Jinping visited Moscow to further strengthen the ties, while Putin traveled to Beijing for the Third Belt and Road Forum.[4]
Referring to NATO’s efforts to extend its reach into the Asia-Pacific region, Putin described this as an “attempt to exceed its geographical sphere of influence.[5] The Russian leader stated the following:
“The United States has sought to guide alliance members towards escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and has made efforts to form new military-political alliances driven by its own selfish interests.”
He stated that Russia and China have responded to this “calmly and in a balanced manner,” collaborating through air force and naval drills to ensure their security. On this matter, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, Zhang Youxia, noted the following:
“Russia is warning the West with red lines, demonstrating that it will not avoid challenges. China respects you for this.”
During his meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, Zhang Youxia stated that bilateral relations are at their “highest level in the new era” and that the purpose of this visit is to further strengthen military cooperation. Sergey Shoigu, in turn, made the following statement, emphasizing that the bilateral defense ties are not aimed at third countries:[6]
“Unlike certain aggressive Western nations, we are not establishing a military bloc. This situation exemplifies strategic engagement based on mutual trust and respect. Our armies regularly conduct operational and combat exercises on land, in the air, and at sea, successfully carrying out combat training missions of varying levels of complexity side by side. All these actions are not directed at third countries and are undertaken solely in the interest of one another.”
This development reflects the determination of Russia and China to further deepen their military cooperation. The joint military exercises and technology transfers between the two countries signify the signs of a strategic alliance. Considering Russia’s strained relations with the West and China’s emerging global power status, this cooperation can be viewed as a response to Western policies.
As emphasized by Putin, although this cooperation forms an alliance “not based on Cold War models,” the collaboration in high-tech military fields is of critical importance for the strategic security of both nations. The focus on space technologies and new weapon systems particularly reflects efforts to prepare for potential future military conflicts.
It can be said that Russia and China aim to create balance on the international stage. Putin’s comments in response to NATO’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region demonstrate that this cooperation is aimed at ensuring regional and global equilibrium. Additionally, China’s declaration of an “unlimited friendship” and Russia’s resistance to the West reflect the political dimension of this alliance.
This partnership is unfolding in a period of shifting power dynamics in international relations. By forming an alliance to limit the West’s influence and protect their regional interests, Russia and China seek to play a more impactful role in global politics. This is particularly significant during a time when challenges to the U.S.’s global leadership position are intensifying.
[1] “Vladimir Putin Calls for Closer Russia-China Cooperation on Military Satellites and Prospective Weapons”, South China Morning Post, https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3240848/vladimir-putin-calls-closer-russia-china-cooperation-military-satellites-and-prospective-weapons, (Date Accession: 31.12.2024).
[2] “Putin Calls for Closer Russia-China Cooperation on Military Satellites and Prospective Weapons”, Gv Wire, https://gvwire.com/2023/11/08/putin-calls-for-closer-russia-china-cooperation-on-military-satellites-and-prospective-weapons/, (Date Accession: 31.12.2024).
[3] “Vladimir Putin Calls for Closer Russia-China Cooperation on Military Satellites and Prospective Weapons”, South China Morning Post, opcit, (Date Accession: 31.12.2024).
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
