Congress urges probe into alleged Russia-China military intel exchange

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Jul 2024 22:09

The House Select Committee on China, led by Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, warned that Russian adaptations to counter US weaponry in Ukraine could be passed on to China.

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Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., questions witnesses during a hearing of a special House committee dedicated to countering China, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Washington. (AP)

A bipartisan US congressional committee on Monday called on the White House to investigate whether Russia is sharing insights with China on how to defeat US weapons used in Ukraine.

The House Select Committee on China, led by Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, warned that Russian adaptations to counter US weaponry in Ukraine could be passed on to China.

They requested National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan assess the extent of this information transfer and any Chinese efforts to replicate Russian military innovations.

🚨This week, Chairman @RepMoolenaar & Ranking Member @CongressmanRaja released the below statement following the Washington Summit Declaration issued by the @NATO allies condemning the Chinese Communist Party for its support of Russia's war in Ukraine. ⬇️ https://t.co/X9RzIW0a8e pic.twitter.com/0Ly3pAcQm1
— Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (@committeeonccp) July 13, 2024

The committee's letter to Sullivan cited reports of China's support for Russian military industries and highlighted concerns about Russian electronic warfare countermeasures undermining US precision munitions.

They also requested an evaluation of Russia's ability to counter US weapons and any potential Chinese military responses.

Since the start of the Ukraine war, the US has been a major supporter of Ukraine, providing over $50 billion in aid, including a recent $225 million security package.

NATO recently criticized China for its alleged support of Russia and urged Beijing to cease its partnership. In response, China called the NATO remarks unfounded and reiterated that its support for Russia is part of normal trade relations.

Western observers argue that European NATO members should strengthen their defenses to allow the US to focus on China, particularly in relation to Taiwan.

The Kremlin has downplayed the impact of US weapons on the battlefield, claiming that Russian forces are adept at adapting to new military technologies.