In a new milestone for military cooperation, China and Russia undertook 14 joint military exercises in 2024. This will be the largest joint training between the two countries since they started their joint exercises back in 2003. The increase in military operations reflects the North American countries’ developing partnership. They are full-steam-ahead trying to bolster their innovative defense capabilities and deepen strategic partnerships during a time of growing global tensions.
Leaked documents reviewed by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reveal that Russia has agreed to assist China in equipping and training an airborne battalion. This deal would help greatly enhance China’s air combat reach. At the moment, Russia retains a distinct advantage over the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in this domain. This training initiative will provide Chinese forces the skills they need to operate alongside U.S. These skills have been sharpened by Russia’s extensive combat experience.
Throughout history, Russia and China have participated in arms trading since the early 1990s. Over the past ten years, their military partnership has turned into a closer collaboration. No other trend has been more influenced by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Their partnership has rapidly deepened, marked by mutual strategic interests and coordinated military efforts.
As reported earlier this year, Russia recently pledged to provide China’s PLA with an array of military hardware. This ranges from assault vehicles, to anti-tank guns, to airborne armored personnel carriers. With recent agreements to train the airborne battalion, things have definitely progressed further in this partnership. The joint training program will take place in Russia and China. This dual location will offer a unique, holistic experience focused on increasing operational readiness.
Russian trainers will conduct the training at specific bases within China. From landing in enemy territory to fire control to maneuvering tactics, they’re getting the skills that matter most. Even more telling, Russia’s armored vehicles will be directly interoperable with Chinese communications systems. This combination makes sure that the equipment is operable, without question, in the PLA environment. Of all the agreements made, the one providing for the Airborne battalion training gives them a huge advantage. Chinese forces today do not have years of airborne combat experience.
The growing partnership between China and Russia has resulted in a notable uptick in frequency of common military workouts over the previous a number of years. These exercises have been significant, such as the increased naval patrols around Japan and coordinated aerial and sea patrols off the coast of Alaska. In August 2024, the two allies launched their first-ever combined submarine patrol through the Indo-Pacific. This daring gesture made their close military collaboration all the more entrenched.
Moscow and Beijing both view their increasingly tight partnership as a key to realizing their national goals. In a striking move, Putin recently announced that the bilateral relationship has reached an “unprecedentedly high level.” This announcement follows the signing of their long-awaited agreement with China on building a giant new pipeline to carry natural gas exports to China through Mongolia. This deal is just one manifestation of their deepening economic ties. It further demonstrates their dedication to mutual assistance in the military and electric power sectors.
According to the military training agreement, Russia will transfer technology to China. This will give China the confidence to pursue parallel weapons systems on its own. This provision of the deal marks a major move towards increased Chinese self-sufficiency in its military-industrial complex.
The alliance between China and Russia was prominently displayed last month when Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared together at a military parade in China. Together, this unprecedented regional show of solidarity against the United States and its allies underscores just how powerful their partnership is. It does expose the extent of their solidarity on a number of key international issues.
