Amid escalating tensions between China and the United States, and the deployment of new and more capable nuclear delivery systems by both sides, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has reportedly sought to deploy a missile early warning system capable of providing advanced notice of an American missile attack.
Russia and the USA are currently the only nations which field such systems and have developed the necessary technologies, with both inheriting such systems from the Cold War and the former in particular going to great lengths to upgrade it.
China is reportedly receiving considerable assistance from Russia in developing its warning system, according to a statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The President described the development as a serious thing that will drastically increase the defense capabilities of the People’s Republic of China.
Russia and China’s defence sectors have grown increasingly complementary in recent years, with high levels of information and technology sharing which have served to enhance both states’ security.
Technology transfers from Russia in particular were vital to the PLA’s early post-Cold War modernization efforts, and were key to supporting Russia’s cash strapped defense sector and providing funds for research and development projects.
With the two states sharing highly sensitive information on their strategic missile arsenals and warning systems already, it is highly likely that Russia’s own security will benefit from the installation of Chinese early warning radars due to information sharing agreements.
Military Watch Magazine / ABC Flash Point Military News 2021.
China will need assistance, while in the mean time it can build on its own military power tools.