The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, has become a global affair, with an estimated 75 countries involved. The presence of thousands of foreign mercenaries fighting on both sides of the conflict has raised fears of a wider war.
Recent events have brought China’s involvement into sharper focus. Ukraine has detained Chinese citizens fighting on the front lines, raising questions about China’s strategic objectives. This involvement is seen by some as a move to strengthen China’s ties with Russia and gain valuable combat experience for potential future conflicts, such as the Taiwan issue.
China conducted a test of its ICBM missile on September 25, 2024. The video of this test was released by Chinese media nearly 11 months later. It is claimed that this is China’s DF-31AG ICBM missile, which China has upgraded. This missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads to the United States, with a range of approximately 13,500 km. This missile test suggests that China is preparing for a major global role.
The protracted Russia-Ukraine war, which has already lasted more than three years, highlights the possibility that a large portion of the world could be impacted if the war doesn’t end. The discovery of foreign mercenaries has further heightened these concerns.