Russia Supports China's Expanding Nuclear Capabilities
China has reportedly commissioned its first nuclear-powered guided missile submarines, for which Russia has expressed its unwavering support.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (R) meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang (L) as part of the 4th ministerial conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on April 13, 2023. Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, neighboring countries to Afghanistan, took part in the 4th ministerial conference. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a move that underscores the deepening ties between Russia and China, the Kremlin has expressed its unwavering support for China’s efforts to bolster its nuclear arsenal. This comes in the wake of a recent Pentagon report revealing that China currently holds over 500 operational nuclear warheads, with projections indicating that this number could rise to 1,000 by 2030.
In a press briefing held in Moscow on Wednesday, October 25, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “This is absolutely the sovereign right of this country.” He further clarified that China’s actions do not elicit concern from Russia, citing the robust strategic partnership between the two nations. “We have an advanced stage of political dialogue and economic interaction,” Peskov said, emphasizing that China’s decisions are influenced by the significant security threats it faces in the region.
In a move demonstrating its growing nuclear prowess, China has reportedly commissioned its inaugural nuclear-powered guided missile submarines. These submarines, according to defense experts, provide China with augmented land and sea attack capabilities, a domain previously dominated by the U.S. and Russia.
“Nonfactual and biased report”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to the Pentagon’s claims, labeling the report as “nonfactual and biased.” Officials stated that China remains committed to a defensive nuclear strategy, ensuring its nuclear capabilities remain at the minimum level required for national security.
The unfolding events and stances taken by the global powers showcase the shifting dynamics in international relations. Russia’s endorsement of China’s nuclear advancements, especially amidst the backdrop of Moscow’s military movements in Ukraine earlier this year, highlights the evolving geopolitical landscape and the “no limits” partnership between the two Eastern giants.
In a significant move, Russia’s military showcased its nuclear prowess with a “massive” retaliatory drill, a few hours after the country’s upper parliament house decided to revoke its ratification of the global nuclear testing ban. This drill, executed under the direct supervision of President Vladimir Putin, involved the test-launch of missiles from various strategic platforms, including a land-based silo, a submarine, and long-range bomber aircraft.
Russian nuclear drills
During a live broadcast on Russian state television, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, accompanied by the Chief of the Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov, briefed Putin on the drill’s objectives via video link. Shoigu emphasized that the core purpose of these exercises was to practice a considerable nuclear counterstrike in the event of a nuclear attack by adversaries.
The timing of this military display is notable, coming 20 months post Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, there’s been a cloud of ambiguity with Putin and other officials sending mixed signals regarding potential nuclear weapon usage. Russia’s swift move to withdraw from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is seen as an alignment with the U.S., which, while being a signatory, has never ratified the treaty. The international community remains watchful of the unfolding events and their possible impacts on global peace.
Source: First post, Reuters, Anadolu and Aljazeera
