Russia suspends delivery of S-400 missiles to China

Under scanner for espionage charges in the United States, China has waded into troubled waters with Russia as well after similar charges became a backdrop for the delay in an already-agreed defense deal between the two countries. Amid a global uproar against China – coronavirus, the military standoff with India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the South China Sea, US – in just the past six months, Moscow has now announced the suspension of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Beijing, with the resumption of deliveries yet to be ascertained.

“This time, Russia announced the postponement of the delivery of missiles for the Chinese S-400 system. To a certain extent, we can say that it is for the sake of China. Getting a gun is not as easy as signing an invoice after receiving a weapon. They say that the work on delivering these weapons is quite complicated. While China has to send personnel for training, Russia also needs to send a lot of technical personnel to put the weapons into service,” UAWire reported, quoting Chinese newspaper Sohu.

China, in its response, claimed that Russia was forced to take this decision since it’s concerned that “the delivery of S-400 missiles at this time will affect the anti-pandemic actions of the People’s Liberation Army and does not want to cause trouble to China”, news agency ANI reported.

Back in 2018, China received the first consignment of the S-400 missile. The air defense missile system is believed to be the most advanced of its kind and is capable of destroying targets that are up to 400 kilometers away, up to a height of up to 30 kilometers. The suspension of the delivery comes after soon after Moscow accused Beijing of espionage, despite both countries enjoying reasonably good relations over the past few years.

To substantiate their claim, Russian authorities found Valery Mitko, the president of St Petersburg Arctic Social Sciences Academy, guilty of trading ‘classified materials to the Chinese intelligence’, the TASS reported.

The air defense missile system is believed to be the most advanced of its kind and is capable of destroying targets that are up to 400 kilometers away, up to a height of up to 30 kilometers. The suspension of the delivery comes after soon after Moscow accused Beijing of espionage, despite both countries enjoying reasonably good relations over the past few years

The decision to hold the delivery of missiles to China is seen positive from the entire world’s aspect. After continuous tensions have risen from China to the world, many nations have started to build space from China. Even though the previous issues are not resolved, and there arises a new one beforehand. It is still not clear if Russia will ever lift the suspension. Also, it cannot be clearly said if the suspension will result in cancellation.

Even if Russia plans to finally cancel the delivery, people cannot expect the nation to disclose their future plans. It would not be incorrect to say that if Russia keeps on suspending the delivery, it is actually trying to get away from the deal. It’s a wait and watch situation right now.