Russia to Equip China’s Military for Potential Taiwan Invasion

BEIJING, China — Russia has agreed to provide training and equipment to China’s military, helping facilitate the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027. A recent report, based on documents obtained by the hacktivist group Black Moon, reveals contracts outlining the details of this military cooperation.

Under the agreements, Russia plans to supply the PLA with armored vehicles and airborne battalions, along with training on airdropping these vehicles. This assistance comes as China aims to develop its capabilities for executing a large-scale amphibious operation targeting Taiwan, approximately 100 miles from the Chinese mainland.

Experts highlight the logistical challenges that this operation poses, particularly the difficulty in moving troops across the Taiwan Strait. Russian military analysts note that while China seeks to enhance its military capabilities, there are significant obstacles to successfully invading Taiwan.

The contracts include provisions for air-dropping armored vehicles, which would increase the PLA’s combat power and establish a foothold on Taiwan’s terrain. The Russian training involves approximately 800 pages of documentation outlining military hardware exchanges and operational strategies.

Russian military officials are expected to train Chinese soldiers in using the equipment at various training sites in China, including specialized programs for airborne troops. This shift indicates an increasing military-industrial cooperation between the two nations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

China intends to integrate Russian technology with its existing systems, ensuring compatibility with Chinese command and control structures. Specific vehicle models are mandated to incorporate Chinese communication technology, emphasizing interoperability within the PLA.

Military analysts suggest that this development could escalate tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly considering Taiwan’s geographical advantages and its strategic importance to the United States, which supports Taiwan’s self-defense.

The operational challenge for the PLA is to land sufficient troops to create a stronghold capable of overcoming Taiwanese defenses. With several military exercises and training sessions already completed in collaboration with Russia, analysts warn that the region could see heightened military activity in response to these evolving capabilities.

As the situation develops, the implications of Russia’s military support for China are likely to resonate not only in East Asia but also in international relations concerning the United States and its allies.