Russia, China push joint missile‑defense system and anti‑Starlink plan

Investigations by Der Spiegel, The Insider and Le Monde reveal that Russia and China have been coordinating a secret military‑technology forum since at least 2020. Senior officials from both countries met in Moscow in May‑June 2023 and agreed to develop a next‑generation air‑ and missile‑defence system capable of intercepting maneuverable ballistic missiles and hypersonic projectiles up to 40 km altitude and with ranges of up to 4 000 km, aiming to match U.S. Patriot and THAAD capabilities by around 2030.

The partnership also includes an “anti‑Starlink alliance” to neutralise SpaceX’s satellite internet service that Ukraine uses. Documents describe plans for cyber attacks, electronic interference, laser or microwave weapons, and even physical destruction of satellites. China is said to have shared AI, micro‑chip production and drone‑operation data with Russia, while Russian experts provide combat experience from the war in Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the revelations “extremely worrying,” underscoring NATO and EU concerns about the growing strategic threat.

The disclosures suggest a deepening Sino‑Russian military bond that could reshape the security calculus in Europe and the Indo‑Pacific.