Russia helps China prepare for attack on Taiwan, WP reports
Photo: Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, leaders of Russia and China (Getty Images)
Russia is helping China prepare for an attack on Taiwan, involving the sale of military equipment and large-scale training for Chinese airborne forces, The Washington Post reports.
According to documents independently verified by the UK think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the alliance between Moscow and Beijing is deepening.
Russia is using its combat experience to train Chinese airborne units and teach them how to airdrop armored vehicles. Analysts say this will strengthen Beijing’s ability to seize Taiwan.
"In a future war over Taiwan, Moscow’s supply of oil, gas, and other natural resources — and its large defense industry — could become 'strategic backup for China'," said Jack Watling, senior research fellow for Land Warfare at RUSI.
The China-Russia deal
The 800-page documents show that in October 2024, Russia agreed to sell China a significant amount of military equipment, including 37 BMD-4M light amphibious vehicles, 11 Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled anti-tank guns, and 11 BTR-MDM airborne armored personnel carriers.
The main contract also covered the transfer of command and surveillance vehicles, as well as special parachute systems designed to airdrop heavy loads from high altitudes.
The papers mention several rounds of talks, including an April 2024 meeting in Beijing, where China asked Russia to speed up delivery of certain vehicles.
They also indicate efforts to adapt the weaponry to Chinese software, electronic, radio, and navigation systems.
Some of the documents outline training programs for Chinese paratroopers in the combat use of weapons, as well as command and control systems for leading operations.
The Kremlin did not respond to requests for comment on the deal. Neither China’s Defense Ministry nor the state defense contractors involved provided comment.
Arms supplies to China
Over the past year, Chinese and Russian leaders have attended each other’s military parades. In 2024, their armed forces held 14 joint exercises—twice as many as in the previous decade.
Last week, Chinese military representatives attended the Russian-Belarusian drills Zapad-2025, where Russia showcased heavy equipment airdrops that China is seeking to replicate.
Russian customs records from June 18, 2024, reveal deliveries of military-purpose products to the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group (CETC). The sender was Russia’s Research Institute of Communication and Control Systems.
The Washington Post notes that Moscow has long been Beijing’s biggest arms supplier, though imports of Russian weapons have fallen in recent years due to the war in Ukraine. At the same time, China has advanced its own designs and production capacity.
Nevertheless, Chinese military publications continue to praise Russia’s advanced airborne capabilities.
One of the largest consumers of Russian arms is China’s air force, which since 2005 has purchased dozens of Il-76 heavy transport aircraft capable of airdropping armored vehicles during an airborne assault.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and calls its government separatist. Taipei maintains it is a sovereign state with its own political and economic system.
The People’s Liberation Army of China regularly conducts large-scale drills in the Taiwan Strait, practicing blockade and invasion scenarios.
Chinese authorities have repeatedly stated that they do not rule out a military reunification with Taiwan.
