Der Spiegel: Russia and China Forming a New Axis of Evil

An investigative report by Der Spiegel, based on leaked documents, reveals that Russia and China are secretly collaborating on military infrastructure attack scenarios and next-generation missile defense systems.

Scenarios for Attacks on Western Infrastructure

In an exclusive report, Der Spiegel, alongside The Insider and Le Monde, exposes deep military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing. Documents show China’s active support for Russia, contradicting claims of neutrality in the war in Ukraine.

Beyond dual-use goods, representatives from both nations are actively discussing strategies to attack key Western infrastructure. This cooperation marks an unprecedented level of military integration.

Joint Missile Defense Development

Intelligence indicates both countries secretly agreed to develop a new generation of air and missile defense systems. This technology is intended to intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

Russian and Chinese officials finalized these plans during a covert meeting in Moscow in 2023. Additionally, experts from both nations are prioritizing the neutralization of Elon Musk’s Starlink, which currently provides a tactical advantage to the Ukrainian military, through cyberattacks, lasers, and microwave weapons.

Division of Military Labor

Since 2021, the two nations have worked on a project to intercept U.S. ground-based hypersonic missiles, with completion targeted for 2030. They are also building joint command and control systems for ground-based rockets.

The partnership relies on a division of labor: Russia contributes combat experience from its war of attrition, while China supplies electronics, semiconductors, and specialized hardware. China may apply battlefield lessons from Ukraine to its objectives regarding Taiwan.

Growing Concern in Berlin and NATO

German officials expressed extreme concern over reports of Chinese training for Russian soldiers. The German Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador to address the matter, labeling the collaboration a violation of core European security interests.

The situation creates a new strategic reality for NATO. By supporting Russia, China is effectively merging the security theaters of Ukraine and Taiwan, forcing Europe and Asia to confront a coordinated strategic challenge.

Official Responses and Security Implications

The Chinese Embassy in Berlin dismissed the allegations as baseless slander and defamation, maintaining that their cooperation with Russia is not directed against any third party. The Russian Embassy has not issued a statement.

Berlin maintains that Russia remains the primary threat to Euro-Atlantic security. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz personally raised these issues with Xi Jinping during his February visit to China, highlighting the intensity of ongoing diplomatic discussions with European partners.