Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
They are both delivering invasion eguipment as well as training of troops.
They are both delivering invasion eguipment as well as training of troops.
What is happening?
Russia has reportedly agreed to train and arm a Chinese airborne battalion for a possible future invasion of Taiwan.
The information comes from leaked documents published by the hacking group Black Moon and analyzed by military experts.
Hackers expose military collaboration plan
According to Black Moon, the hacked materials were taken from Russian sources and passed to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a respected UK-based defense think tank.
Taiwan invasion by 2027
The documents suggest a timeline: China could be preparing for an airborne assault on Taiwan in 2027.
This aligns with past warnings by Western intelligence about China’s growing military ambition regarding the self-governing island.
China’s shortfall: Air mobility
Despite its military advancements, China lacks the high-level air mobility required for a full-scale airborne assault.
RUSI notes this as a major vulnerability—one Russia appears poised to help address through training and technology transfer.
Russia fills the gap
In 2023, Moscow reportedly agreed to supply the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with the necessary weaponry and know-how to bolster its airborne capabilities.
The leaked contracts suggest Russia is playing a central role in upgrading China’s rapid deployment forces.
Advanced equipment part of the deal
The materials list dozens of key military vehicles Russia plans to deliver to China, including:
- 37 light amphibious assault vehicles
- 11 amphibious anti-tank self-propelled guns
- 11 airborne armored personnel carriers
- Multiple command and observation units
All are designed to support a fast-moving airborne operation.
Russian combat experience offers an edge
While China’s military budget and manpower outpace Russia’s, Beijing lacks real-world airborne combat experience.
Russia, in contrast, has tested such capabilities in conflicts like Ukraine.
Russia turns East
Facing harsh Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine, Russia has leaned heavily into its partnership with China.
Military coordination between the two nations is increasing, alongside a sharp rise in bilateral trade.
“Far beyond what’s publicly acknowledged”
A Taiwanese security official, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, emphasized the covert nature of the partnership.
“Military cooperation between China and Russia goes far beyond what has been publicly acknowledged,” the source said.
Strategic signals at Beijing parade
Earlier this September, Xi Jinping hosted Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un at a massive military parade in Beijing.
The event, commemorating 80 years since Japan’s WWII surrender, also showcased a growing alignment among authoritarian powers.
China’s neutrality called into question
Officially, Beijing maintains a neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, China continues to trade with Russia and has been accused of supplying dual-use goods—civilian products with potential military applications.
Experts warn of shifting military balance
The leaked documents and resulting analysis suggest that global power dynamics are changing.
With Russia’s experience and China’s resources converging, Taiwan—and its allies—may face a more complex and potent military threat by the end of this decade.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
