China and Russia Expand Secret Military Cooperation Including Anti-Starlink Plans
A joint investigation by Germany's Der Spiegel, the European site Insider, and France's Le Monde has revealed extensive military cooperation between China and Russia, far beyond previous disclosures. This includes plans to jointly develop advanced ballistic missile defense systems, efforts to disrupt and intercept Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network, and continuous supply of Chinese technological components to support Russia's war efforts. The revelations are based on leaked presentations from a secret forum held in Guangzhou in November 2023 and meeting protocols from Moscow in June 2023.
The secret forum, called the Third China-Russia Military and Technology Cooperation Forum, is held regularly, with the sixth meeting planned for Saint Petersburg this year. A key focus is countering Starlink, which provides critical satellite internet used by Ukraine in its attacks on Russian targets. Chinese experts proposed an "anti-Starlink alliance" involving cyberattacks, communication jamming, and even destroying enemy satellites in orbit using affordable interceptors. Russia is also developing independent countermeasures such as ground-based jamming systems and kinetic attacks on Starlink solar panels.
Another major area of cooperation is air defense. In summer 2023, China and Russia signed a memorandum to deepen collaboration on next-generation air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic missiles. These mobile systems are expected to be operational by 2030. The sharing of Russian air defense technology is unprecedented, as such knowledge was previously considered highly classified.
The investigation also highlights the steady flow of Chinese semiconductors and electronic components to Russia, some sourced indirectly from the West. According to Insider, without Chinese supplies, Russia's military industry could not have sustained itself over the past four years. The timing of the report coincides with the NATO summit in Ankara, where China’s role has been downplayed compared to previous years.
The report also notes the complex position of Elon Musk, whose SpaceX operates Starlink, a vital asset for the US military, while Tesla, his electric car company, has significant business interests and manufacturing operations in China. Both governments are deeply involved in these sensitive sectors. Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador for talks following the revelations.
Summary: A leaked investigation reveals deepening secret military cooperation between China and Russia, including joint missile defense development and plans to disrupt Elon Musk's Starlink network, alongside ongoing Chinese technological support to Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
