Admiral Warns Russia Could Give China Tech That Undermines US Dominance

Adm. Samuel Paparo warns that Russia may provide China with submarine technology, potentially threatening US undersea dominance.

At a Glance

Russia may deliver submarine technology to China, threatening the US’s underwater edge, according to Samuel Paparo.
Adm. Paparo focuses on maintaining US readiness amid regional military tensions.
North Korea’s missile capabilities and support to Russia may lead to tech exchanges.
US struggles with preparedness after munitions supply to Ukraine and Israel.
China’s military growth raises concerns and sparks strategic shifts in US policy.

Admiral Paparo’s Concerns

Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, highlighted concerns over Russia potentially sharing submarine technology with China. Such collaboration could erode America’s long-standing undersea dominance, especially in the Indo-Pacific. Despite Paparo’s assurances that China has no set plans to invade Taiwan by 2027, the possibility of advanced naval capabilities transferring to China is a growing strategic concern.

“I expect Russia to provide submarine technology to the PRC that has the potential of closing American undersea dominance over the PRC,” Paparo said recently at the Halifax International Security Forum.

Paparo emphasizes the critical need for constant readiness. He expressed worry about depleted US munitions stocks due to ongoing support to Ukraine and Israel. He calls on the US to replenish its weapon supplies, particularly noting China’s anti-secession law, which outlines circumstances under which an invasion of Taiwan might occur.

Russia could give China submarine tech that would cut into US undersea dominance, US admiral says#Russia #China #submarine https://t.co/DRJGMWON1Q pic.twitter.com/IdHFIqboWk

— Business Insider India🇮🇳 (@BiIndia) November 25, 2024

Geopolitical Shifts and Alliances

The Indo-Pacific region is strategic to U.S. interests as China asserts itself, impacting allies such as Taiwan. Paparo also considers North Korea’s missile capabilities and its backing to Russia as contributing to potential technology sharing scenarios. He notes that military exchanges involving Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran elevate risks in global dynamics.

The US adapts its defense strategy by intensifying intelligence-sharing with allies like Japan and South Korea. Yet, with Russia receiving military support from China, including semiconductors and machine tools, the power dynamics are increasingly concerning. Paparo refers to this strategic partnership as a “transactional symbiosis,” highlighting complex interdependencies.

Conclusion and Strategic Priorities

Paparo’s warnings regarding US military preparedness resonate amid these global developments. The anticipated transfer of Russian submarine technology to China is part of broader challenges. Efforts to maintain undersea superiority are crucial for the US, especially given China’s expanding maritime force.

The ongoing collaboration among Russia, China, and other nations underscores the urgency for the US to refine its strategic policies and strengthen alliances to counterbalance these regional and global tensions.