Chinese artillery supplies could help Russia continue war in Ukraine

• The Russian army relies on its artillery to compensate other battlefield weaknesses.
• The heavy artillery use in Ukraine may exceed the ability of its manufacturers to produce new cannons and shells.
• That could tilt the balance in Ukraine’s favor — unless another country steps in to resupply Russia.

The Kremlin’s strategy is to use quantity over quality in order to defeat the enemy. With hopes of a quick win in Ukraine now gone, they are aiming to wear down Kyiv.

To win a war by attrition, Russia would have to be better equipped to replace ammunition and equipment than Ukraine. Ukraine has received military aid from 50 different countries, including boots, helmets, tanks, and artillery. Russia has only been able to purchase arms from a handful Pariahs such as Iran and North Korea.

One country could have a significant impact on Russia’s war machine. China could suffer the same consequences as Mao Zedong did when he sent 3 million Chinese as “volunteers” to fight in Ukraine. Korean War veterans.

Artillery and long-range firesAccording to recent research, such as multi-launch rockets remain “critical capabilities” that underpin the Russian military. ReportingThe Royal United Services Institute is a British think-tank.

RUSI reported that Moscow’s “massive stockpile” of ammunition was being used inefficiently. Shells and cannons are being destroyed faster than the country can produce them.

This approach is flawed on the ground. The commander in Ukraine of the 58th Russian Army Recent reliefAfter complaining about the condition of Russian artillery including “the absence of counter-battery” and “the lack artillery surveillance stations”.

The RUSI report states that the Russian military used firepower as a “crutch” to compensate for other tactical deficiencies. If it cannot bring the same amount of firepower, it may struggle to hold the ground.

The report warns that “perhaps the greatest danger to Ukraine in terms of the longer-term trajectory of Russian forces is if another nation provides tooling and employees for the establishment of additional production capacity for Russian munitions and barrels.”

China has pledged neutrality in Ukraine — though its leaders have made expressions of support for Russia — but artillery represents a historical link between the two countries.

China’s army — known as the People’s Liberation Army — used Soviet-supplied or Soviet-designed howitzers and multiple-launch rocket systems throughout the Cold War. While China now designs its own artillery, many of its weapons still come in calibers used by Russian army — including 152 mm, 130 mm and 122 mm — meaning China’s munitions factories could churn out shells that would have some compatibility with Russian ordnance.

Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022 the US is concerned that China could be supplying military equipment to Russia. China’s No to sellingArms on either side are not reassuring.

Chinese firms are shipping military-grade items, such as “Hunting rifles“, as well as massive Gunpowder is available in various quantitiesRussia

Recently, Ukrainian officials have stated that they You can find out moreChinese components are used in US and Russian weapons Officials have saidChina’s government may send artillery shells into Russia. When asked about the US remarks in February, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson You can also read about the importance of this in our article“The US does not have the authority to give orders to China.”

On the surface, it seems natural that China would support Russia’s fight against Ukraine.

After Nearly blowing upDuring the Cold War Moscow and Beijing were close allies. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have allowed their relations to warm up considerably. Focus on bothOn their respective rivals.

Russian and Chinese leaders would both like to replace the current global political and economic system dominated by Western liberal democracies with a more authoritarian-friendly world order. China selling arms to Russia — Reversal of historical trends — would also bring cash into China’s Covid-damaged economy and help pay for its massive military buildup aimed at Taiwan and the US.

Beijing, while not condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has compelling reasons to refuse to take Moscow’s cause. Military support for Russia could be a source of friction with the US and Europe. harder lineOver Chinese imports and related issues

Beijing might prefer, cynically speaking, that Russia is just strong enough for the US and Europe to divert resources away from the Pacific while being weak enough to be dependent on China. Central AsiaIn the midst of the global arms market. It may also appeal Chinese nationalists, who still feel a bit resentful. Historical disputesWith Russia

Chinese support may mean the difference between victory or defeat for Russia. However, Beijing’s salvation could be a long way off.