US Indo-Pacific Commander Says Russia Will Assist China in Advancing Submarine Technology
China could potentially narrow the gap in ‘American undersea dominance,’ asserted the chief.
In exchange for China’s backing in the conflict with Ukraine, Russia is expected to help Beijing enhance its submarine fleet, as per the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command leader on Nov. 23.
Paparo further mentioned that China “has assisted in rebuilding Russia’s war machinery, with 90 percent of its semiconductors and 70 percent of the machine tools used in the reconstruction of that war machinery.”
“Large nuclear submarines are far more powerful than diesel-electric submarines, offering greater range, stealth, and offensive capabilities,” the report stated.
Related Stories
Paparo raised concerns about the deepening collaboration between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
“There is a certain symbiotic relationship among them where each fulfills the needs of the others—where one lacks resources, the others provide those resources—where one has operational requirements, the others meet those needs,” stated Paparo.
Paparo also anticipated Russia providing North Korea with submarine and missile technologies.
“This poses a significant threat, adding complexity to the overall environment,” he remarked.
“This strains America’s preparedness to respond in the Indo-Pacific region, the most demanding theater due to the sheer quantity and quality of munitions, given that the PRC is the most formidable potential adversary globally,” Paparo elucidated.
When questioned about the possibility of China attacking Taiwan by 2027, Paparo dismissed it as a fixed date.
“It was never a set deadline. It was never a date declared by the PRC, stating, ‘We will strike on this date,’” Paparo clarified, emphasizing that the date should serve as a crucial benchmark for the United States to closely monitor China’s military activities.
“As the date draws nearer, its relevance diminishes, and it emphasizes the need for us to remain prepared today, tomorrow, next month, next year, and beyond,” he emphasized.
Despite the communist regime never governing the self-governing democratic island, China asserts Taiwan as its integral territory.
Paparo also discussed the potential scenario of China executing an amphibious assault on Taiwan via the Taiwan Strait.
“I believe a cross-strait invasion would be extremely challenging, given our advantages,” he indicated.
If China opts to impose a naval blockade on Taiwan, Paparo expressed confidence in the United States’ capability to overcome it.
