Russia Training China Military for Potential Invasion of Taiwan, Says UK

Russia is selling military equipment and technology to China that could help Beijing prepare an airborne invasion of Taiwan, according to an analysis of leaked Russian documents by a UK-based defense and security forum, Emma Burrows reported for the Associated Press (AP).

RUSI’s analysis says Russia also agreed to provide training in China and a complete set of equipment for an airborne battalion, including the ability to carry out special-forces infiltration. (Photo: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation) 

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) analysis is based on around 800 pages of documents — including contracts and lists of equipment to be supplied by Moscow to Beijing — obtained from the Black Moon hacktivist group.

The documents, which the authors shared with AP, appear genuine, RUSI said.

They reference meetings between Chinese and Russian delegations (including visits to Moscow), payment and delivery timelines for high-altitude parachute systems and amphibious assault vehicles, and other equipment.

The documents suggest Russia has begun work on items to be delivered but do not contain direct evidence that China has paid or received equipment.

A document dated September 2024, and an initial 2021 agreement, detailed timelines for payments and delivery. Stages one and two — analysis of technical specifications, software modifications and equipment manufacturing — have been completed.

RUSI’s analysis says Russia also agreed to provide training in China and a complete set of equipment for an airborne battalion, including the ability to carry out special-forces infiltration.

The listed kit includes 37 light amphibious assault vehicles, 11 amphibious anti-tank self-propelled guns, 11 airborne armored personnel carriers, and command and observation vehicles, with a total cost shown as more than $210 million.

(Other outlets, including UPI and CNN, also reported on the RUSI analysis.)