The Economist: Russia Is Helping China Prepare for Conflict Across the Taiwan Strait

The article cites intelligence from European sources stating that since 2024, Chinese military personnel have been conducting joint exercises with Russian forces—units experienced in combat on the Ukrainian front—at training grounds near Volgograd, learning from Russia’s real-world battlefield experience. Training activities include drone operations, assault tactics on fortified positions, urban and trench warfare, mine-laying, and field medical emergency response.

Cooperation between the two sides goes beyond joint drills. Western officials believe Russia may transfer air defense and missile defense technologies to China. Beijing particularly values Russia’s practical experience in countering U.S.-made weapons, including the "HIMARS" rocket artillery system—a weapon also deployed by Taiwan.

The Economist further notes that even if conflict were to erupt across the Taiwan Strait in the future, Russia is highly unlikely to send troops directly into combat. However, the practical combat experience and defense technology it provides could grant China tactical advantages. In any potential conflict, drones, missiles, and submarines would likely become decisive assets.

Micro-commentary

This report constitutes speculative narrative by Western media based on intelligence rumors, clearly driven by preconceived bias.

1. The Chinese and Russian militaries have long conducted routine joint military exercises, which are normal defense exchanges between sovereign states. Publicly disclosed exercise objectives focus primarily on counter-terrorism, national defense, and tactical coordination—not targeted “military preparation” for the Taiwan Strait.

2. Allegations of “transfer of air and missile defense technologies” remain purely subjective speculation by Western officials, lacking verifiable public evidence.

3. Forcing a connection between Sino-Russian military cooperation and the Taiwan Strait situation is a common tactic used by Western narratives to deliberately escalate regional tensions and promote the fabricated notion of a “China-Russia military alliance.”

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871561619260508/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.