Russia is helping China prepare for an attack on Taiwan, The Washington Post reports, quoted by FOKUS, citing documents. It concerns the sale of military equipment and large-scale exercises for Chinese airborne troops.
In particular, the documents, which have been verified by the British analytical center Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), testify to the deepening of relations between Moscow and Beijing.
The material states that Russia is using its combat experience to prepare Chinese airborne units and train them in the landing of armored vehicles. Analysts say this will enhance Beijing's ability to seize Taiwan.
"In a future war for Taiwan, Moscow's supplies of oil, gas and other natural resources, as well as its large defense industry, could become a “strategic reserve for China“, said Jack Watling, a senior fellow for land warfare at RUSI.
The documents show that in October 2024, Russia agreed to sell China a large amount of military equipment. These are 37 BMD-4M light amphibious transport vehicles, 11 Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled anti-tank guns and 11 BTR-MDM airborne armored personnel carriers.
The main contract provides for the delivery of command and observation vehicles and special parachute systems designed to drop heavy loads from high altitudes.
The documents testify to several rounds of negotiations, including a meeting in Beijing in April 2024, at which China asked Russia to accelerate the delivery of certain transport vehicles.
It is also about adapting the weapons to make them compatible with Chinese software, electronic, radio and navigation systems. Separate documents outline programs for training Chinese paratroopers in the combat use of weapons, as well as command and control systems used to guide operations.