The day China attacks Russia
At the moment, Russia and China are linked by partnerships. Our countries agree on many issues. There are practically no disagreements between us. Russia is actively cooperating with China in various fields, including in the military. Our defense departments periodically organize joint exercises, actively share experience and best practices in the military field.
There are no mutual claims or special disagreements between our countries. But if we follow the military-strategic logic, then China should not be excluded from the list of potential threats. After all, it is necessary to evaluate not the intentions of another state, but its capabilities. And China’s military capabilities are wider than ever.
China's rapid military spending
On March 5, 2018, a report by the head of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Li Keqiang, on the work of the government indicated that this year it was planned to increase the country's defense spending by 8,1%, which would amount to 175 billion dollars. Thus, in terms of investment in the military sphere, China is in second place in the world after the United States.
True, according to the Chinese authorities, the country's defense spending as a percentage of GDP is much lower than that of other leading world powers. Given China’s GDP, this statement may well be true.
The increase in military spending did not go unnoticed and caused concern among the close and distant neighbors of the PRC, including Russia.
Is China dangerous for us?
Alexander Khramchikhin, director of the Russian Institute for Political and Military Analysis, believes that Russia is not the United States, but China, the greatest threat to its security. This statement cannot be considered the ultimate truth, but the arguments of the military expert look quite logical.
Unlike the United States or Europe, China has an urgent need to expand its living space. He needs additional territories and natural resources, and Russia has them. Between our countries runs an extended land border that separates the Celestial Empire from the Russian expanses and riches of Siberia and the Far East. But they are far from fully mastered and not too densely populated.
If China tries to lay a hand on this wealth, the United States will not like it. But because of the cool relations with Russia, they will not intervene and protest. The United States will only benefit from the Russian-Chinese conflict weakening both sides.
Now China is significantly increasing its influence on the Central Asian states, which traditionally have always been in the orbit of Russian interests. Moscow, despite partnerships with China, does not hide its displeasure with China’s activity in Central Asia.
Who else worries about China's gain?
Of course, the closest neighbors have been watching the military strengthening of China with great apprehension for many years. They understand that they are unable to withstand such a colossus. Even Japan, which has powerful naval forces and is located on the islands, is alarmed by the strengthening of its neighbor.
The Minister of Defense of Japan, Itsunori Onodera, reacted to the report of the head of the Chinese State Council the very next day. In his speech, he noted the "large-scale and rapid" buildup of China's military power. The Japanese reasonably believe that the PRC significantly enhances its influence in the northwestern Pacific. A confirmation may be, for example, expansionary policy China in the South China Sea.
In addition, the Japanese Minister of Defense believes that China's defense spending is significantly underestimated and is 25-50% more than declared. The sum of military expenses does not include expenses for strategic forces, the People’s Armed Police (an analogue of the internal troops), as well as the development of new weapons and the purchase of foreign military equipment.
Given China’s growing military power, Russia must consider the seriousness of the potential threat. At the same time, friendly and good neighborly relations must be maintained with our Chinese partners.
There are no mutual claims or special disagreements between our countries. But if we follow the military-strategic logic, then China should not be excluded from the list of potential threats. After all, it is necessary to evaluate not the intentions of another state, but its capabilities. And China’s military capabilities are wider than ever.
China's rapid military spending
On March 5, 2018, a report by the head of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Li Keqiang, on the work of the government indicated that this year it was planned to increase the country's defense spending by 8,1%, which would amount to 175 billion dollars. Thus, in terms of investment in the military sphere, China is in second place in the world after the United States.
True, according to the Chinese authorities, the country's defense spending as a percentage of GDP is much lower than that of other leading world powers. Given China’s GDP, this statement may well be true.
The increase in military spending did not go unnoticed and caused concern among the close and distant neighbors of the PRC, including Russia.
Is China dangerous for us?
Alexander Khramchikhin, director of the Russian Institute for Political and Military Analysis, believes that Russia is not the United States, but China, the greatest threat to its security. This statement cannot be considered the ultimate truth, but the arguments of the military expert look quite logical.
Unlike the United States or Europe, China has an urgent need to expand its living space. He needs additional territories and natural resources, and Russia has them. Between our countries runs an extended land border that separates the Celestial Empire from the Russian expanses and riches of Siberia and the Far East. But they are far from fully mastered and not too densely populated.
If China tries to lay a hand on this wealth, the United States will not like it. But because of the cool relations with Russia, they will not intervene and protest. The United States will only benefit from the Russian-Chinese conflict weakening both sides.
Now China is significantly increasing its influence on the Central Asian states, which traditionally have always been in the orbit of Russian interests. Moscow, despite partnerships with China, does not hide its displeasure with China’s activity in Central Asia.
Who else worries about China's gain?
Of course, the closest neighbors have been watching the military strengthening of China with great apprehension for many years. They understand that they are unable to withstand such a colossus. Even Japan, which has powerful naval forces and is located on the islands, is alarmed by the strengthening of its neighbor.
The Minister of Defense of Japan, Itsunori Onodera, reacted to the report of the head of the Chinese State Council the very next day. In his speech, he noted the "large-scale and rapid" buildup of China's military power. The Japanese reasonably believe that the PRC significantly enhances its influence in the northwestern Pacific. A confirmation may be, for example, expansionary policy China in the South China Sea.
In addition, the Japanese Minister of Defense believes that China's defense spending is significantly underestimated and is 25-50% more than declared. The sum of military expenses does not include expenses for strategic forces, the People’s Armed Police (an analogue of the internal troops), as well as the development of new weapons and the purchase of foreign military equipment.
Given China’s growing military power, Russia must consider the seriousness of the potential threat. At the same time, friendly and good neighborly relations must be maintained with our Chinese partners.
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