Marc Henrichmann, the chair of the Bundestag’s intelligence committee and a member of the CDU party, stated that media reports regarding military cooperation between China and Russia are plausible. Speaking to Handelsblatt, Henrichmann noted that the reports align with observed developments, emphasizing that since Russia began its war of aggression, there has been a noticeable deepening of cooperation between Moscow and Beijing in both military and economic sectors.
Henrichmann specifically highlighted China’s critical role in supplying Russia’s war machine in Ukraine. He stated that since 2022, a significant portion of Russia’s military equipment relies on Chinese dual-use components, including fiberglass cables for drones, chips, and engines for long-range weaponry.
While China frequently presents itself internationally as a neutral actor regarding the Ukraine conflict and points to its efforts towards peace talks, Henrichmann finds this claim unconvincing. According to the CDU politician, the reality shows that China is executing an aggressive “interest policy” even to the detriment of Germany and Europe.
For him, this situation mandates a strong strategic response: he advised that Europe must focus on building up its own capabilities and increasing its resilience, acting toward China and Russia with measured deliberation but also with demonstrated European strength.