Concerns are rising over an expanding military partnership between Russia and China that could challenge U.S. naval superiority. Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, co-author of the book "Axis of Aggressors," told Fox News Digital that Moscow may be supplying Beijing with submarine quieting technology, which would make Chinese submarines harder for the U.S. Navy to detect. Montgomery said, "They're allegedly giving them submarine quieting technology," highlighting an area where China has long sought to improve its capabilities.

This development is significant because "any weakening of our asymmetric advantage in undersea warfare is a big deal," according to Montgomery. The partnership between Russia and China is described by their embassy as adhering to principles of non-alliance and non-confrontation, aiming to safeguard sovereignty and regional stability.

Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department reported in October 2024 that a Russian defense firm coordinated the production of Garpiya attack drones at factories in China, using Chinese-made engines and components before transferring the weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. Experts note that China’s support for Russia’s war effort, including providing machine tools and legacy chips, is part of a broader exchange where Moscow reciprocates with military assistance in areas of its strength.

Montgomery warned that this transactional relationship poses risks to the United States and its key allies and partners. Meanwhile, the Chinese and Russian embassy urged relevant parties to view their military cooperation objectively and to stop groundless speculation.

The escalating collaboration comes amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan, where U.S. military presence and capabilities have been critical.

Sources