Russia and China have developed a strong economic relationship in recent years, which is evidenced by expanding trade relations, cooperative infrastructure projects, and strategic energy agreements. This alliance is being fostered in large part by China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Russia’s abundant energy resources, which highlight common economic interests and a desire to balance out Western influence in the world economy.
However, a recent investigation by the Financial Times based on Russian military records compiled from 2008 to 2014, revealed that Russia has conducted war-gaming exercises simulating a potential invasion scenario involving China. The report also sheds light on Russia’s “military establishment’s deep suspicion of Beijing even as leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping began forging a “no limits” partnership.”
The extensive range of scenarios covered by the simulations, included cyberwarfare, air raids, and amphibious assaults. Documents have also discussed the “operating principles for the use of nuclear weapons.”
In a story for the Spectator, Mark Galeotti, a well-regarded Russia expert, notes that the documents are dated, nonetheless, they “give a useful sense not only of the circumstances in which Moscow might use nuclear weapons but also the degree to which China – for all the mutual expressions of friendship – is still regarded as a potential threat by the Russian military.”
In one of the scenarios seen by the paper, “China pays fake protesters to clash with police in Russia’s Far East, then sends saboteurs to covertly attack Russian security infrastructure.” However, according to Russian officials, the purpose of these war games is to make sure that the nation is prepared and resilient to any potential security threats from its eastern neighbor.
Both Russian and Chinese officials doubted the authenticity of the documents obtained by the Financial Times and declined to provide any detailed commentary. China and Russia are both coming under more and more pressure from the West, so keeping a low profile may be an attempt to control the situation’s perception.
