Why does the US need Russia? Beyond Donald Trump
Far beyond Trump or anyone else, there is a project of US hegemony that transcends White House terms and encapsulates American interests.
Russia does not threaten US hegemony today as the Soviet Union once did, but China, with over 1.3 billion people and a robust economy, boasting the largest industrial base on the planet, does threaten the US. Washington knows China is its true adversary, especially militarily.
The Chinese are flying fighter prototypes of a generation ahead of the Americans, launching missiles a generation ahead, with radars nearly a generation and a half ahead, and dominating the gallium market. In naval terms, China's production capacity is vast, and combined with Russia’s, it may account for over 60% of global military shipbuilding when às consider submarines. The US has unmatched industrial transformation capacity but needs to control the technological gap, partly by separating Russia from China.
Despite China’s impressive defense industry advances, Beijing still relies on Russian technologies and supplies for its armed forces in several areas.
Nuclear Sector:
China is reducing its military dependence on Russia, but it remains significant. The Type 041 submarine, with a compact nuclear reactor inspired by Russia’s VAU-6, relies on Moscow’s expertise. Similarly, nuclear reactors for future space projects are based on Russia’s Topaz-II, showing China’s reliance on Russian nuclear technology for space, submarines and obviously speed up the production of nuclear warheads.
Armor:
Chinese military armor, vital for tanks like the Type 99 and destroyers like the Type 055, uses Russian titanium alloys and composites. If we Compare Chinese tanks like the VT4 to Russian equivalents in weight and protection, we can see as China still has far to go.
Submarines:
Chinese submarines, like the Type 096, depend on Russian stealth propulsion and nuclear reactors to rival Western naval powers. The MGK-335 sonars in China’s Kilo-class submarines are another critical Russian technology for underwater operations. This is an area where China lags, and Russia leads, with technology transfers alarming the West.
Warships:
Chinese ships, like the Type 055 destroyer and Type 054 frigate, use gas turbines based on Russia’s UGT-25000, microelectronics for HHQ-9 air defense systems, and Russian steels and composites for naval armor. Naval radars, like the Type 346A on the Type 052D, also rely on Russian microelectronics.
Drones:
China is nearly self-sufficient in drones, but specific military models, like the hypersonic WZ-8, use Russian electro-optical sensors and composites.
Jamming:
In electronic warfare, a major Western concern, China relies on Russia for sophisticated jamming systems, like those inspired by the Krasukha, used on ships like the Type 055. With Russian microelectronics, China advances but remains behind Russia’s signal-jamming expertise.
Aviation:
J-20 fighters rely on Russian AL-31F and AL-41F engines, outperforming China’s WS-15. Z-20 helicopters use components based on Russia’s VK-2500 engine, key for high-altitude operations.
Missile and Rocket Systems:
DF-21D ballistic and CJ-10 cruise missiles use Russian microelectronics and sensors for precision guidance, as do other Chinese models. Artillery systems like the PHL-03 and PLZ-05 howitzer use Russian alloys for launch tubes and barrels.
Though China has adapted Russian designs to create its weapons, its reliance on Russian supplies persists and will continue through licensed agreements. From microelectronics to titanium alloys, nuclear reactors to jamming systems, the Sino-Russian partnership is a delicate interdependence, strengthened by Western sanctions.
Working towards distancing the Russians and Chinese is a priority for the US after the sanctions had the opposite effect.
The Europeans' problems with the Russians have become a lesser issue compared to America's survival as hegemonic superpower