China is anticipating, planning, and preparing for a possible confrontation with the West over the Taiwan issue. To this end, it has embarked on a comprehensive modernization of its military. This process includes changes in personnel composition, command, and training methods. In addition, advanced technological equipment is being introduced at all levels, with the goal of creating a high-tech, interconnected military force.
According to China’s defense strategy, the country aims to avoid launching any offensive action unless an adversary has caused or intends to cause damage to its strategic interests. This strategy gives the Chinese armed forces considerable flexibility in responding to various actions and incidents.
Advanced Technologies for Future Warfare
China aims to develop advanced technological solutions that give it a significant advantage over adversaries who may be superior in other areas. Beijing has set a goal of completing the modernization of its armed forces by 2027. At the same time, the Chinese military has identified and defined new domains of conflict: space, cyberspace, polar regions, undersea space, the biological domain, and the cognitive domain. Developing networked systems for these domains requires the application of advanced technologies, as well as the attraction and training of specialized personnel.
The Chinese strategy foresees that big data and artificial intelligence should be used to achieve information superiority and military advantage. This approach highlights the close cooperation required between military and civil actors to achieve the Chinese military’s strategic goals.
The military-civil fusion tactic aims to overcome Western restrictions on technology exports. A significant portion of the innovative and disruptive technologies pursued by the Chinese military and security services stem from multi-use technologies developed in the civilian sector by commercial actors.
The Chinese military leadership has identified space as a critical domain for future conflicts. China is constantly launching new satellites and is competing with the United States to become the leading space power. Its space program envisages that all space resources can be used for military purposes.
Biotechnology is also already a major strategic investment area for China, with Beijing seeking to harness the technology for military purposes. Many notable laboratories work in biological research, which primarily benefits the political sector, but also has military applications. In addition, other state-run research institutes, hospitals, and companies contribute to research and development, strengthening military capabilities. The Army has full access to data and knowledge from the entire spectrum of Chinese research and technology communities.
Russia-China, a strategic partnership
China is a major ally of Russia and has repeatedly stressed the importance of strategic cooperation between the two countries. The two countries cooperate holistically, having gradually strengthened their political, military and economic relations.
Both powers aim to redefine the international order. A key element of this cooperation is the shared perception that the United States poses the main threat.
The growing trust between the two countries allows for a better allocation of resources. In the past, tense relations led to the commitment of significant military forces on both sides of the border. For Russia, friendly relations with China on its border are crucial, as they allow it to focus its ground forces in Ukraine. For China, it means it can focus on its defense modernization to counter the United States and its allies in the Pacific.
Frequent meetings between Russian and Chinese officials will continue, while the two sides promote their relations through formal agreements. This makes bilateral relations easier and less dependent on the personal relationship between the two leaders. China supports Russia in international forums, and the two countries cooperate closely in the UN Security Council, especially on issues of criticism of Western countries.
In addition, both countries seek to strengthen complex organizations such as BRICS and SCO, with the aim of providing alternatives in areas where the West dominates. China, due to circumstances, is the driving force behind the addition of new members to the BRICS. An expansion that gives Russia the opportunity to refute the narrative that it is internationally isolated.
The relationship between the two countries continues to evolve in China’s favor. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions have made Russia more dependent on China. This trend is evident in almost all areas of cooperation.
China is essential to Russia’s ability to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions and stabilize its economy. In 2023, bilateral trade exceeded $200 billion for the first time, and is expected to continue growing at least until 2030. This growth is due to the intensification of industrial cooperation, the simplification of bureaucratic procedures, and the improvement of transport infrastructure.
Clearly, much will depend on the end of the war in Ukraine and the economic “character” of the next day.
