On November 8, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow and Beijing should expand their cooperation in military satellites and other potential defense technologies.[i] Emphasizing the importance of closer military ties and focusing on high-tech collaboration,[ii] Putin said:[iii]
“I am referring to space, including high-orbit assets, and new potential weapon types that will ensure the strategic security of Russia and China. Russia and China are not forming military alliances based on Cold War models. These cooperations are a serious factor in stabilizing the international situation.”
Putin had previously mentioned that Russia shared highly sensitive military technologies with China, significantly boosting China’s defense capabilities. He also noted that in October 2019, Russia helped China develop an early warning system for detecting ballistic missile launches, which consists of ground-based radars and satellites—a system only possessed by Russia and the United States (US).[iv]
In 2022, Beijing declared a “limitless” friendship with Russia. China condemned Western sanctions against Moscow and blamed NATO and the US for provoking Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. At the same time, Beijing tried to maintain a neutral stance on the Ukraine issue.
Russia has often expressed its support for Beijing on matters related to Taiwan. Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have developed strong personal ties in order to build a “strategic partnership” against increasing tensions with the West. Xi’s visit to Moscow in March 2023 further strengthened these relations, and last month, Putin traveled to Beijing for the Belt and Road Initiative summit.[v]
In his speech to Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, Putin referred to NATO’s efforts to extend its reach into the Asia-Pacific region, describing it as an attempt to “overstep its geographical influence.”[vi]
“The US has tried to direct alliance members to stir up tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, and, driven by its own selfish interests, it has sought to form new military-political alliances,” said Putin. He added that Russia and China have responded to this “calmly and reasonably” and are working together to strengthen their security through joint air force and naval drills.
Zhang defended Moscow against Western pressure and stated, “Under your leadership, Russia has shown that it will not shy away from challenges, warning the West with red lines. China respects you for this.”
During a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, Zhang said that bilateral relations are “at their highest level in the new era” and expressed hope that his visit to Moscow would further strengthen military cooperation.
Shoigu, noting that the bilateral defense ties do not target third countries, stated:[vii]
“Unlike some aggressive Western countries, we are not forming a military bloc. This is an example of strategic interaction based on trust and respect. Our armies regularly conduct operational and combat exercises on land, in the air, and at sea, successfully fulfilling combat training missions of varying complexity, side by side. All these actions are not aimed at third countries and are only carried out in the interests of each other.”
This development reflects the determination of Russia and China to deepen their military cooperation. The joint military exercises and technology transfers between the two countries signal the formation of a strategic alliance. This cooperation, especially considering Russia’s strained relations with the West and China’s growing global influence, can be seen as a response to Western global policies.
As Putin emphasized, this partnership does not constitute an alliance based on “Cold War models,” and cooperation in high-tech military areas is critical for both countries’ strategic security. The focus on space technologies and new weapon systems reflects efforts to prepare for potential future military conflicts.
It can be argued that the aim of this cooperation is to create a balance in the international arena. Putin’s remarks on NATO’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific reveal that this collaboration seeks to maintain regional stability. Moreover, China’s declaration of “limitless friendship” and Russia’s resistance against the West reflect the political dimension of this partnership.
This is happening during a period when the balance of power in international relations is shifting. Russia and China are striving to play a more influential role in global politics by forming an alliance aimed at curbing Western influence and protecting their regional interests. This is particularly notable at a time when challenges to the US’s global leadership are increasing.
[i] “Putin Calls for Closer Russia-China Cooperation on Millitary Satellites and Prospective Weapons’’, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/russia-china-military-cooperation-d4fedabf86d88e2cc0074159294026f9, (Accessed date: 09.11.2023.)
[ii] “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, (Accessed date: 09.11.2023).
[iii] “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/, (Accessed date: 09.11.2023).
[iv] “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, (Accessed date: 09.11.2023).
[v] Ibid.
[vi] Ibid.
[vii] Ibid.
